Actress Liza Soberano slams the ‘Tililing’ movie poster for misrepresenting people with mental health issues.
Produced by Viva Films and directed by Darryl Yap, the creator of the 2019 hit movie ‘Jowable’, ‘Tililing’ top bills Gina Pareño, Baron Geisler, Candy Pangilinan, Donnalyn Bartolome, Yumi Lacsamana, Cai Cortez, and Chad Kinis.
Supposedly, the movie promotes mental health awareness which is badly needed considering everything that’s happening around us.
Liza Soberano: ‘Mental health is not a joke!’
Even before its showing, the movie already made a buzz online after its official poster did not sit well with mental health advocate Liza Soberano.
In her Twitter account, Liza expressed her disappointment with the movie poster. She hopes that the movie will adhere to its goal – promoting mental health awareness and enlighten people about the struggles of mental health patients.
Really hoping that this movie will spread awareness and enlighten us on the struggles of dealing with mental health. But the poster? It’s a no for me. Mental health is NOT a joke. Stop the stigma. pic.twitter.com/EHndPS2khs
— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) February 8, 2021
The poster features the lead stars with their tongue out, which seems to represent their image of a ‘Tililing’.
She reiterated that we should not poke fun at people with mental illnesses because ‘mental health is not a joke’.
Liza majors in Psychology as she is currently earning a degree in Southville International School.
Director Darryl Yap defends his movie
Through a Facebook post, Yap responded to Liza’s disapproval of their movie poster.
Sa iyo Miss Liza Soberano,
Ang iyong pag-asa na sana’y makapagbigay liwanag ang aming pelikula sa pagpapalawak ng…
Posted by VinCentiments on Sunday, February 7, 2021
Yap assured Liza that they will not disappoint her as their movie will spread mental health awareness.
“Ang iyong pag-asa na sana’y makapagbigay liwanag ang aming pelikula sa pagpapalawak ng kaalaman sa pangkalusugang pangkaisipan ay hindi masasayang, HINDI KA NAMIN BIBIGUIN.”
He also pointed out the credibility of the stars who have also encountered mental health problems before, meaning they’ll act by experience.
“Ang aking mga artista sa pelikulang ito ay nagdaan sa mga pagsubok na nagpatatag din sa kanilang kalusugang pangkaisipan, sigurado kaming hindi nila tatanggapin ang isang proyektong ikapapahamak ng kanilang prinsipyo at pagkatao; Matatalino ang aking mga artista, at matapang ang kanilang direktor.”
Also, he said that once people will watch the movie, they will understand why the poster is as it is.
“Kapag napanood niyo na po ang #Tililing ay mauunawaan ninyo bakit ito ang titulo, bakit nakalabas ang kanilang dila; at bakit namin tinitindigan ang kalidad at mensahe ng pelikula. Kaisa po ninyo kami sa inyong adbokasiya. Maraming Salamat po.”
Baron Geisler pleads with netizens to stop bashing Liza
In the same FB post, lead star Baron Geisler defended Liza against the bashers who criticized the actress’ statement.
Geisler understood Liza’s point and believed that she was just protective of her advocacy. He then pleaded with the netizens to stop bashing her and be kind to the actress.
With this, Liza thanked Baron for his kindness. She then clarified that she just wants the best for movies that tackle mental health, but unfortunately her interntions were misinterpreted.
Thank you kuya Baron for the kind words and sorry if I have offended anyone. I’m afraid my intentions were misinterpreted. I always want the best for films that tap into mental health, so I wish this film all the best. 🙏🏼Looking forward to seeing it. 🤍
— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) February 8, 2021
Moreover, she wished the movie all the best and is looking forward to watching it.
