Writer and film director BC Amparado is over the moon with the recent success of his film “Gulay lang, Manong!” which received the Audience Choice Award for the Full-Length Category at the 20th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.
“Gulay lang, Manong!” stars Cedrick Juan, Perry Dizon, BJ Tolits Forbes, Ranzel Magpantay, Brian Sy, Dong Abay and Lui Manansala.
This is Amparado’s first Cinemalaya film entry and first feature film.
According to Cinemalaya’s website, the goal of the film is to break the stigma and misunderstanding around medical cannabis in the Philippines. Additionally, it is a story not only about a plant but a narrative on resilience and the pursuit of a new medical hope for individuals in need.
In an exclusive interview with 102.7 Star FM Manila, Amparado shared his motivation in creating the award-winning picture.
“Andami ng studies. Actually, huli na yung Pilipinas. Sa ibang bansa, legal na siya [medical cannabis]. Atleast, for the medical side, yun naman ang strongly na inaadvocate namin. It’s the motivation behind kung bakit natin pinu-push nating tong medical cannabis.” (There’s been so many studies. Actually, the Philippines is already late. In other countries, medical cannabis is already legal. That is what we are strongly pushing for)
The director also admitted that they were afraid at first if it would be accepted by the public.
“May initial na takot kami sa simula kasi illegal nga siya [medical cannabis] dito. With the help of our consultants, inayos namin yung script according dun sa anong pwedeng ipakita at kung anong hindi. Very happy lang ako kasi audience choice siya. Recently, nakatanggap tayo ng good news na pumasa siya sa congress. May hope at very timely yung pelikula.” (Initially, we were scared about the public’s reaction because medical cannabis is illegal in the county. With the help of our consultants, we adjusted the script according to what can be shown and what can’t be shown. I’m just happy that it won as audience choice. Recently, we also received good news that the bill on the use of medical marijuana passed in congress. The film is indeed very timely as it brings hope)
Amparado began his filmmaking journey over a decade ago by joining local film festivals. Hailing from Angeles City in Pampanga, he has worked as producer, writer and director.