MANILA, Philippines?Producing ?Mangatyanan? (?The Blood Trail?), a 2009 Cinemalaya Film Festival entry, is ?equal parts fun and frustration,? according to director Jerrold Tarog.

It is the story of Laya (Che Ramos), who has been experiencing sexual abuse from her father since she was 12. Now 27 and working as a travel photographer, Laya is sent to Isabela to witness a rare harvest ritual called Mangatyanan by the Labawan tribe. Laya finds a strong connection between the tribe?s predicament and her own troubled life. There, she is forced to come face-to-face with her own demons.

Tarog directs, writes, edits and scores his own films. He?s also a musical scorer in other indie films. Excerpts from his chat with Inquirer Entertainment:

In a previous interview, you said writing is more difficult than directing. Why so?

Writing is working from the ground up. It requires the most focus, creativity and discipline in the entire filmmaking process. Directing is just saying yes or no with respect to the script?s vision, assuming you have the right cast.

What difficulties did you encounter while making the movie?

We had different obstacles each day but we quickly improvised solutions. When we were supposed to shoot the climax, which was on a cliff in an island, the location became suddenly inaccessible due to strong waves. After some thought, we jumped to the other end of the island, gave it a quick location scout and shot there instead. We couldn?t afford to be auteur divas at that point. We had to work with what Mother Nature gave us.

Did you get the actors you wished for?

The lead part was written specifically for Che Ramos (?Ataul for Rent,? ?Pain Things,? ?Prinsesa?) because I?ve always liked her style and figured she should be given a shot at a lead role.

Cinemalaya bosses say this year?s is the best batch. Do you think so, too?

I wouldn?t know ?til I?ve seen the other films. But I?ve spent time with the other directors and I like their vibe.