Controversial director Darryl Yap expressed his gratefulness towards his actors in the film, Tililing.
Yap and some of the Tililing cast have been subjected to online criticism following the controversial release of their initial movie poster.
During the movie’s zoom conference, Yap thanked and apologized to the main cast of his movie for keeping mum despite heavy criticism and bashing from the netizens.
“Gusto ko lang kunin ang pagkakataong ito lalong lalo na para sa aking mga artista mula kay Yumi, Chad, Baron, Tita Gina, lalong-lalo na kay Donnalyn at Candy kahit hindi nyo kailangan, kahit hindi nyo hingin ako po’y humihingi ng paumanhin kung kayo ay nalagay sa alanganin sa inyong mga tagasunod, tagasubaybay at kahit sa inyong mga endoresements.
“Alam ko na ang pagmamahal nyo sa akin ay ang nagbunsod sa inyo para manahimik at hindi makaoffend ng kahit sino mula sa Viva.
“Ako’y humuhingi ng paumanhin sapagkat alam kong mahirap hindi ipagtanggol ang sarili, mahirap sumagot sa bashing, sa mga nanghuhusga pero dahil sa inyong pagmamahal at respeto nanatili kayong tahimik aking ipinagpapasalamat yun lalo na sa inyo,” said Yap.
Tililing has made online buzz after the release of its initial movie poster.
Netizens criticized Yap and even some of its cast for the insensitive theme of the movie poster which typecasted people suffering from mental illness.
Ms. Gina Pareno and Candy Pangilinan who were known advocates of mental health awareness experienced “tongue-lashing” from netizens for apparently allowing the poster despite their personal experiences with regards to mental health.
Meanwhile, even Kapamilya celebrity Liza Soberano didn’t let it pass as she shared her sentiment towards the poster.
In a Tweet, Liza said she is hoping that the film will really help in spreading awareness about people struggling with mental health illness but the movie poster is a big no, adding mental health is not a joke.
“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.”
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
Aside from netizens and Liza, the Commission on Human Rights has also shared their insight regarding the poster.
In their Facebook post, the CHR expressed concern over the movie poster which espouses stereotypes among people with mental health problems.
“Bagama’t naniniwala ang CHR na mayroong artistic freedom ang mga manlilikha, ikinakabahala nito ang paglalabas ng poster ng pelikulang ‘Tililing’ na nagpapakita ng stereotypical at discriminating na imahe ng mga taong may iniindang mental health illnesses,” CHR said.
“Marami nang miskonsepsyon na bumabalot sa usapin ng mental health at hindi makakatulong kung makakahon ito sa misleading na pagtingin,” they added.
Tililing is set to premiere in cinemas on March 5 and online via Viva Max. The movie stars Baron Geisler, Gina Pareño, Chad Kinis, Donnalyn Bartolome, Candy Pangilinan, Yumi Lacsamana, Cai Cortez, Rez Cortez, and Liz Gonzaga.
