‘Los Salvajes Bravos’ to show how Filipinos were treated as ‘human displays’

“Los Salvajes Bravos” is one of the eight films participating and competing at this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). The movie stars Romnick Sarmenta, Ruru Madrid, Michael de Mesa, and Christian Vasquez, among others. 

The historical movie drama tells the story of Filipinos who journeyed to Spain for the 1887 Philippine Exposition, only to be stripped of their dignity and humanity as they were treated as “human displays.”

According to the film’s director Paolo Dy, “Kwento ito tungkol sa mga ordinaryong mga tao na galing pa sa mga bundok, sa iba’t ibang lugar ng Pilipinas at ni-recruit sila at dinala sila sa Madrid. So yung mga communities, ‘di nila inexpect na mangyayari sa kanila ito.”

Apart from the historical injustice, the movie will also tell the story of dreams, sacrifice, hope and resilience that echoes the experiences of our migrant workers, then and now, who left home in pursuit of a better life abroad. 

The movie was largely shot in Spain with Spanish actors joining the Filipino cast. Aside from the fact the 60 percent of the film uses the Spanish language, the cold climate in Madrid was also something the cast had to face. 

Dy added that they really wanted Madrid and Sarmenta to play the lead roles. “Alam namin na sila ‘yung gusto namin all this time, talagang niligawan namin sila. Hinintay namin sila dahil busyung busy sila,” said Dy. 

Sarmenta feels grateful to be part of the project and its inclusion in this year’s festival. “Blessing lahat kaya para makasama ‘yung pelikulang pinaghirapan niyo at mapasama sa festival. Sana nga pamilya ang mga manood ng isang pelikulang hindi pinag-uusapan sa mga eskuwelahan.”

Madrid added, “Maganda na nakapasok siya sa MMFF, mas malaki ‘yung platform, ‘yung mas maraming Pilipino makakapanood ng pelikulang ito. I guess it’s about time na makapagkwento ng ganitong klaseng istorya at malaman ng bagong henerasyon. History is a reflection ng kinakaharap natin ngayon.”

Executive producer Father Nono Alfonso shared, “We are proud to bring this story to the big screen 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 our own humanity and how we treat one another despite our differences.” 

Also in the film are Andreas Munoz, Jojit Lorenzo, Arnold Reyes, Elora Espano, Paolo O’Hara, Javier Godino, Aya Sarmiento and many more. 

“Los Salvajes Bravos” is produced by JesCom Films, which also produced the award-winning 2023 MMFF film “GomBurZa.”