MANILA, Philippines — The Commission of Human Rights (CHR) has censured the portrayal of mental health illness in the controversial “Tililing” movie poster as being “stereotypical and discriminating.”
In a Facebook post, the CHR said there are many Filipinos who face various mental health illnesses and struggle in seeking help because of stigma.
“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.
CHR said the public should be more sensitive in addressing such issues, especially in mass media.
“Marami nang miskonsepsyon na bumabalot sa usapin ng mental health at hindi makakatulong kung makakahon ito sa misleading na pagtingin,” the commission said.
Actress Liza Soberano earlier called into question the poster which featured actors with their tongues out. The movie title is Filipino slang for being mentally ill.
“Really hoping that this movie will spread awareness and enlighten us on the struggles of dealing with mental health,” Soberano said. “But the poster? It’s a no for me. Mental health is NOT a joke. Stop the stigma.”
The film’s director, Darryl Yap, said that watching the movie would give answers to the choice of movie title and poster, adding that he is also an advocate of mental health.