Ang Guro Kong ‘di Marunong Magbasa

(My Teacher Who Doesn’t Know How to Read)

Synopsis

Aaquil is a farmer and Kapitan Badi, a chieftain in his barrio, is concerned about the future of their barrio’s children. Kapitan Badi shares the sentiments of Aaquil that most of the farmers in their place do not know how to read and write. No teachers, no doctors, no medicines and no education for their barrio.The volunteer teachers from town and the city are afraid to teach in their barrios because it is very dangerous. There are still on-going manhunt operations of the military against the rebels in their place. Badi is expressing regret about the small school in their barrio that was destroyed and burned down by the military during the encounter. The military thought the small school was used by the rebels as their hide-out.

Until one day the farmers set up a small customized school near the house of Kapitan Badi. Aasim, a smart young boy suggested that his Manong Aaquil will be their temporary teacher as Aaquil taught him how to read. Badi agrees to what the young boy Aasim suggested as he brings up to everyone that Aaquil will have a lot of time to teach the children because he has no family anyway.

Aaquil agrees to teach the young ones eventhough he knows that he is illiterate. How has he managed to keep them from finding the truth? In order his pupils will not suspect him. Aaquil bought a recorded tape of the alphabet or English words that could help him and the children learn while listening to it. Aaquil and Aasim friendship became stronger. Aaquil honestly admitted to Aasim that he doesn’t know how to read and write and that he was only forced to teach in order to help the hopeless children. Aasim is an intelligent boy as his teacher in the past taught him well. Aaquil asks Aasim to help him read and write and luckily Aasim agrees. One day, Aasim mother dies and he asks Aaquil if he could be Aasim’s father now that his parents are both dead.

Tatang Badi is sick. Tatang Badi asks Aaquil to go to the town health center and request for medicine for him. When Aaquil is in town he found out that the health center was moved to another town. He steals medicine to save Tatang Badi’s life. The military has captured Aaquil for stealing medicine. The soldiers suspect him as one of the rebels and he disappears.

Aaquil fails to return. Feeling hopeless,abandoned and confused, his pupils decide to commit themselves to a rebel organization. These children learn to use guns like skilled warriors. They mercilessly shoot at their enemies, whom they accuse of being the reason for their failure to pursue their dreams. The story depicts how the cycle of anger and vengeance continues when education is ignored and neglected.

Cast

Alfred Vargas
Marc Justine Alvarez
Miggs Cuaderno
Micko Laurente
Lou Veloso
James Blanco
Mon Confiado
Loren Burgos
Kiko Matos
Liane Valentin
Marife Necesito

Written and Directed By
Perry Escaño

Screenplay By
Perry Escaño

Produced By
MPJ Entertainment Productions

Release Date
September 2017

Studio
MPJ Entertainment Productions and Alternative Vision Cinema

Facebook.com/AngGuroKongDiMarunongMagbasa/

About

As an extremist group trains children to fight the government, an illiterate farmer pretends to read while he attempts to play the role of a teacher to maintain the kids’ faith in education.

Awards

20th Gawad Pasado Awards 2018.
Best Story, Best Film Tackling on Education, and Marc Justine Alvarez as Best Child Performer

Cinemalaya 2017
Finalist

Screening

2018

Cine Adarna in UP Diliman (CINEMALAYA Month)

Jan 8 Monday
5 p.m.
Jan 10 Wednesday
2:30 p.m.
Jan 18 Thursday
7 p.m.
Jan 23 Tuesday
5 p.m.
Jan 30 Tuesday
2:30 p.m.

CINEMATHEQUE MANILA
Address: T.M. Kalaw Ext., Manila, walking distance LRT UN Ave Station)
Screening Schedule:
JULY 10 (Tue) – 6:00 PM
JULY 12 (Thu) – 2:00 PM
JULY 13 (Fri) – 4:00 PM

CINEMATHEQUE ILOILO
Address: Solis St, Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City
Screening Schedule:
JULY 17 (Tue) – 6:00 PM
JULY 19 (Thu( – 4:00 PM

CINEMATHEQUE DAVAO
Address: Palma Gil St, Poblacion District, Davao City
Screening Schedule:
JULY 20 (Fri) – 4:00 PM
JULY 21 (Sat) – 6:00 PM

These series of special screenings is brought to you by FDCP in cooperation with MPJ Entertainment Productions and Alternative Vision Cinema.

For ticket inquiries (Manila / Iloilo / Davao screenings), please contact PAUL ATIENZA of FDCP at 256-9948 loc 131 or mobile number 0927-7630660.