This film was directed by Erik Matti, who therefore had a profound impact on the making of the film. John Lloyd Cruz was cast as the main character of the film and has often been praised for his performance. Director Matti had an influence over the casting, and allowed John to break away from the typical "leading man" role to avoid being typecast.
Erik Matti has directed many well-known films, including Honor Thy Father. Previously, he had worked as an actor and producer himself, so is aware of the different demands on each role. Matti directly informed the setting of this film, which is in the Philippines. Matti himself is Filipino and has been praised for painting a socio-economic picture of his country through his film making. Overall, his experiences in his career and of his country allowed him to create this immersive film.
