Cinemalaya film ‘Gulay Lang, Manong’ hopes to break stigma on marijuana

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 topic, Amparado stressed the importance of having a “brave” filmmaker is crucial in ensuring that its message is properly spread to the public. At the same time, he hoped it would pave the way for more avenues to talk about medical cannabis.

“Sa film na ‘to, kailangan niyo ng matapang na filmmaker — kaya ako nandito. Meron kaming supporters from different organizations [sa paggawa nito],” he said. “Sana magkaroon ng more avenues para sa ganitong pelikula and shows about medical cannabis. Napapag-aralan naman kung anong trend sa media, so baka pwedeng pasukin nang unti-unti para hindi mabigla ang public.”

(With this film, you need a strong filmmaker. This is why I’m here. We have supporters from different organizations to make this work. I hope there will be more avenues for these kinds of movies and shows to talk about medical cannabis. Media trends can be studied, so the topic can slowly be introduced so the public won’t be shocked.

Information dissemination

Meanwhile, cast members Perry Dizon, Dong Abay, and BJ Forbes said taking on a film that pushes for “more information dissemination” about medical cannabis is what matters the most for them. Juan, who is one of the lead stars, was not present at the time.

“Mahalaga ang kwento ni BC kasi sinabi sa akin sa original kwento, si Haring Damo lang ang matitira,” Abay said while referring to his character. “Pinopromote ng film na ‘to ang medical cannabis and ating mga magsasaka. Ako, matagal ko nang pinopromote ang [advocacy] na ‘to. Ang stance ko talaga ay ang karapatan ng halaman para mabuhay sa mundo.”

(BC’s story is important because I was informed that in the original plot, Haring Damo will be the only one left. This film promotes conversations about medical cannabis and the plight of our farmers. I’ve been promoting this advocacy for a long time. My stance about this is to uphold the law of the land so we can live freely.)

While Dizon said “Gulay Land, Manong” allowed him to explore his beliefs, Forbes shared that doing the film is close to his heart because it reminded him of his daughter who suffers from seizure disorder and stroke — conditions that were personified by Juan’s onscreen father.

“Kahit sinong artista pwedeng gumanap dito, ‘yung chill na character, but God has a very special purpose kung bakit ako ang napili ng team. It’s very close to my heart because my daughter has seizure disorder and stroke,” said Forbes.

“While my character touches on the more recreational side of a stoner, ang advocacy ko as a human being tungkol sa halamang ito ay malalim. I’ve done several roles na mahirap, pero ito ‘yung role na fulfilled ako,” he continued.

(Any actor can portray my character since he’s very chill. But God has a very special purpose for why I was chosen by the team. It’s very close to my heart because my daughter has a seizure disorder and stroke. While my character touches on the more recreational side of a stoner, my advocacy as a human being about the topic is very deep. I’ve done several tough roles but this is the role where I felt the most fulfilled.)

Perry Dizon in a scene from “Gulay Lang, Manong.” Image: Courtesy of the Cultural Center of the Philippines

Forbes also pointed out that the film is a reminder to the audience to be educated about medical cannabis, saying that many remain “uninformed” about the topic due to the public being deprived of knowledge.“Through this movie, naitanim sa puso ko kung bakit ko siya kailangang gawin.”

“Through this movie, it was planted in my heart why I need to do this. I know that a lot of people would say I used to be a mere child actor and I’m now portraying a stoner,” he continued. “Before, we were deprived of knowledge due to the control of the government and other people controlling what information we consume. But with the technology that we have, I hope we can use it to research more about this.”

Back in May 2024, the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 10439, or the “Act Providing the Right of Access to Medical Cannabis, Establishing the Medical Cannabis Office and Providing Funds Therefor,” which eyes the legalization of the medical use of cannabis on its second reading.