Cedrick Juan eyes making films that shed light on issues that matter

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

Cedrick Juan said that he enjoys creating films that spark conversations on issues that matter, and his role in the Cinemalaya film “Gulay Lang, Manong” gave him such fulfillment.

In “Gulay Lang, Manong,” Juan plays character of SPO3 Ariel Lacson, a police officer who crosses paths with struggling farmer Manong Pilo (Perry Dizon). Lacson soon discovers that Pilo’s grandson Ricky (BJ Forbes) has link to one of the individuals involved in an illegal drug trade. By the end of the film, the actor’s character found himself in a downward spiral.

The BC Amparado-helmed film, which revolves around the plight of farmers and medical cannabis, is a project that also shows how one’s “impulsive” decisions can lead to a person’s downfall.

“Minsan tayo sa buhay, may mga personal goals tayong ginagawa. Kapag impulsive tayo, hindi natin alam pwede maging epekto nito. Kaya gan’un din ang nangyari kay Ariel (Sometimes, we find ourselves having our own personal goals. When we’re impulsive, we don’t know its effects. This is what happened to Ariel),” he said of his character’s fate on the sidelines of the film festival’s closing ceremony.

“Kahit meron siyang personal goal, meron ding consequences lalo na’t hindi natin pinag-isipan ito nang mabuti (Even if he has a personal goal, he was subjected to consequences because he didn’t think his actions through),” Juan further added.

Perry Dizon (center left) and Cedrick Juan (right) in a scene from “Gulay Lang, Manong.” Image: Courtesy of the Cultural Center of the Philippines

When asked about the shift from Padre Burgos to Ariel, Juan said he enjoyed making films that inform viewers about important topics.

“I always loved making a film lalo na kung merong boses na nagshe-shed ng light sa [iba’t ibang] topics, lalo na kung ito ay napapabayaan at nagkakaroon ng misinterpretations (especially if it has the voice to shed light on different topics, especially if these topics are often avoided and subjected to misinterpretations),” he said.

“Gulay Lang, Manong” bagged the Audience Choice award for a full-length feature film in the festival, a feat that Juan said is a “win-win situation” for its cast, crew, and audience. “Tingin ko, isa ‘to sa mga goals ng independent filmmaking, [gumawa ng] films na may laman.”

“Para mas bumukas ang kamalayan natin when it comes to alternative medicine at mas lalo nating makita kung ano ang pinagdadaanan ng magsasaka natin sa probinsyana. That’s a win-win situation na rin,” he continued. “Para sa’tin sa ‘Gulay Lang, Manong,’ ito naman ang mahalaga — ang nabubukas ang kaalaman sa adbokasiya.”

(I believe this is one of the goals of independent filmmaking, to create films with meaning. It will open our minds when it comes to alternative medicine and will inform the public about the plight of farmers in the province. It’s a win-win situation. For us in “Gulay Lang, Manong,” this is what’s important — to open people’s minds about its advocacy.)

In a talk-back session, the film’s director pointed out that being a “brave” filmmaker is one of the crucial factors to ensure that its message is delivered properly to the public.

“Gulay Lang, Manong” also stars Dizon, Dong Abay, BJ Forbes, Ranzel Magpantay, and Ricky Davao in a special participation.