Perry Dizon (center left) and Cedrick Juan (right) in a scene from “Gulay Lang, Manong.” Image: Courtesy of the Cultural Center of the Philippines The cast and crew of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival entry “Gulay Lang, Manong” hopes to contribute to breaking the stigma and educating the public about medical cannabis and the plight of farmers. Set in Nueva Vizcaya, “Gulay Lang, Manong” tells the story of struggling farmer Manong Pilo (Perry Dizon) caught by police officer Ariel Lacson (Cedrick Juan) after the former’s grandson Ricky (BJ Forbes) arrives home intoxicated.
It was then revealed that Ricky was involved in a cannabis trade which led to Manong Pilo and Ariel striking a deal — Ricky will be set free, but Pilo needs to help out in discovering the person behind the operations. Writer-filmmaker BC Amparado pointed out in a talkback session that the movie’s open ending was an intentional move on his part, saying it depends on the viewer’s moral compass on how they would interpret the film. “My intention with this film is to spark conversations about medical cannabis and the plight of our farmers.
I hope it will help in disseminating information about the conversation. I hope that it will entertain and educate viewers. I hope the stigma and misconceptions about it will be broken,” added Amparado.
Cedrick Juan in a scene from “Gulay Lang, Manong.” Image: Courtesy of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Knowing the film’s t.