More than 130 years after 43 indigenous Filipinos were displayed in a “human zoo” during the 1887 Philippine Exposition in Madrid, Spain, an upcoming historical drama titled Los Salvajes Bravos aims to reintroduce this dark chapter of colonial history to contemporary audiences.
Directed by Paolo Dy and produced by JesCom Films—the team behind the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry GomBurZa—the movie explores how a group of Igorots, Tagalogs, and Visayans were brought to Madrid’s El Retiro Park for what they thought would be a cultural showcase, only to face exploitation and public humiliation.
Executive producer Father Nono Alfonso explained that the project encourages audiences to look back while examining modern human behavior:
“Because it is an important part of our history that deserves to be remembered. Beyond revisiting the past, we hope it encourages Filipinos today to reflect on our humanity and how we treat one another.”
Director Paolo Dy echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the timeless nature of the theme:
“Because the injustice that happened then is still happening now.”
The film follows Ismael Alzate, an Igorot former soldier loyal to Spain played by Romnick Sarmenta, who leads a group of fellow Filipinos including an Igorot schoolteacher named Purganan, portrayed by Ruru Madrid, as they attempt to escape and find their way home.
Sarmenta noted that the film sheds light on an underexplored part of the country’s past:
“Isa itong topic na hindi gaanong pinag-uusapan sa mga eskuwelahan.”
Meanwhile, Madrid underscored the value of educating the youth through cinema:
“Kailangan itong malaman ng bagong henerasyon. History is a reflection ng kinakaharap natin ngayon.”
Both actors expressed gratitude for the film’s official selection in the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival, which provides a broad platform for families to experience the story. Sarmenta shared his excitement:
“Isang malaking blessing na makasama ‘yung pelikulang pinaghirapan niyo sa festival. Inaasahan naming na sana buong pamilya ang makapanood nito,” Madrid added: “Maganda na nakapasok siya sa MMFF, mas malaki ‘yung platform, ‘yung mas maraming Pilipino makakapanood ng pelikulang ito,”
Shot across locations in the Philippines and Spain—including Ciudad Rodrigo and Valladolid—the ensemble cast also features Michael De Mesa, Christian Vasquez, Arnold Reyes, Jojit Lorenzo, Paolo O’Hara, Elora Españo, and Aya Sarmiento, alongside Spanish actors Andreas Muñoz and Javier Godino.
Los Salvajes Bravos hits Philippine cinemas nationwide on December 25 as an official entry in the 2026 MMFF.