WALDO ON WEED
An intimate video diary about the man behind Fishtown’s Pizza Brain, his young son’s fight against cancer, and the controversial treatment that changed everything.
Years before his son popped out of the oven, Brian Dwyer was known around Fishtown for his trademark tomato-red curly hair and impressive collection of pizza memorabilia. With other local devotees of the ‘za, Dwyer co-founded the world’s first Guinness-certified pizza museum and shop: Fishtown’s Pizza Brain. Incorporating copious amounts of home video, this intimate doc follows Brian and his wife Danielle as they welcome their son Waldo James Mysterious Dwyer. Six months later, Waldo is diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer. While juggling his roles as the restaurant’s de facto mascot and caring for his ill son, Brian learns of a medicinal herb that could potentially save Waldo’s life: marijuana. “Dad cam” in hand, Brian documents the miraculous results of administering cannabis oil to Waldo and the thrilling escapades of smuggling a year’s worth of doses across the country. From director Tommy Avallone, Waldo on Weed is both a fascinating argument for the potentially life-saving uses of a misunderstood treatment and a heartfelt ode to a couple’s love for their son.
In Competition: Pinkenson Award
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