GULAY LANG, MANONG

GULAY LANG, MANONG
by BC AMPARADO

90 minutes | Dramedy | R13

CAST
Cedrick Juan, Perry Dizon, BJ Tolits Forbes, Ranzel, Dong Abay and Lui Manansala

PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR/SCREENPLAY – BC Amparado
CINEMATOGRAPHER – Emmanuel Liwanag
PRODUCTION DESIGN – Juan Pablo Pineda III
EDITOR – Maria Estela Paiso
ORIGINAL MUSIC SCORE – Willie Apa Jr.
SOUND – Bien Sparks
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER – Joleil A. Villena, Jezriel A. Villena, Jien A. Villena, Juan Jr. “Sonny” Villena
LINE PRODUCER – Patricia Salic
PRODUCTION MANAGERS – Jerome Dulin, Joseph Arcegono

LOGLINE
A struggling farmer joins forces with a local policeman to rescue his grandson and take down a marijuana cartel, triggering a deeply personal journey that tests their beliefs and integrity.

SYNOPSIS
Struggling farmer Pilo Sabado finds himself entangled in a complex web of circumstances when his grandson Ricky gets caught up in the cannabis trade with his friend Razer. As tensions rise in the region’s drug war, Ricky is apprehended by determined policeman SPO3 Ariel Lacson, who strikes a deal with Pilo: help catch Razer, and Ricky goes free. As the unlikely duo navigates the murky waters of alliances and revelations within the cartel, Pilo and Ariel uncover a startling truth: the cannabis trade, linked to a powerful senator, isn’t just recreational, but a crucial lifeline for medical relief for the Senator’s epileptic daughter. This discovery shakes Pilo and Ariel to their core, challenging their moral compasses. Amidst betrayals and unexpected alliances, they face a pivotal choice: succumb to temptation and secure their future or uphold their principles, risking everything in a battle that tests their souls.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

“Gulay lang, Manong!” is not just a film. It is a cinematic exploration into the core of an advocacy that challenges common misconceptions about cannabis and dives deep into its significant impact on individuals and communities. The goal is to break the stigma and misunderstanding around medical cannabis in the Philippines. This is not only a story about a plant but a narrative on resilience and the pursuit of a new medical hope for individuals in need. As a filmmaker, I connect deeply with the personal stories of the characters. As a father, I can relate with other parents that cry for the legalization of cannabis. I can feel their suffering whenever they see their loved ones under discomfort. I can also see through their eyes the relief and the genuine happiness whenever cannabis takes effect. The characters are based on real life people whose lives have been deeply affected by cannabis. By unearthing these tales, this film aims to humanize the discourse around medical cannabis and to educate the audience about the potential that it brings as an effective alternative medicine and as an economic asset that benefits our local farmers. Moreover, it is also a peek into the lives of local vegetable farmers and the struggles they deal with on a regular basis. This film will give importance to the power that our farmers have and how the agriculture industry is affected by politics, power, and exploitation. This is not a traditional advocacy, as it is designed to be a call for empathy and understanding. As a filmmaker, my job is not to spoon-feed information, but to invite the audience to question the common biases and encourage an open-minded exploration of what this plant presents.