"Emotional Struggles Emerge into Daylight: Advocacy for Empathy"

In the face of numerous challenges, including delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, typhoons, and other unspecified obstacles, the much-anticipated film "When Sadness Lingers" is finally set to reach audiences. This Cebuana production, created by filmmaker Anne Amparo Angus, is more than just a movie; it's a powerful tool for mental health advocacy.

Anne Amparo Angus, the film's creator, drew inspiration from real-life experiences within her circle and stories from her radio program "Katilingbanong Pagpakabana." The film focuses on a middle-class, affluent family and the heartbreak of a family breaking apart.

The movie's executive producer is Charlita Maithland Smith, while Mae Ann Yee serves as the event coordinator for the upcoming three-day event, Soulscape, scheduled for Oct. 17-19 at Soul Sierra.

"When Sadness Lingers" was shot in 2018 in Soul Sierra, with scenes in Cebu City and parts of Cebu Province. The film's emotional weight is grounded in the struggles of everyday people, as Anne often encounters stories of emotions buried deeply and only resurfacing in unexpected ways.

The movie was made to spread awareness, inspire people, and promote mental health awareness through entertainment. Co-producer and managing partner for Watch, Support and Liberate, Joselo Cimafranca, aims for the film to do more than entertain.

In a survey conducted by Anne and her team, it was found that many individuals struggling with mental health issues come from affluent backgrounds. These individuals are often ashamed to talk about it, and it affects their children and work, but nobody wants to address it.

Anne believes that much of the judgment we pass on others stems from a lack of understanding. She ensured the filmmaking process was therapeutic, involving meetings with psychiatrists and observation of patients with schizophrenia.

The Soulscape event program includes immersive activities such as yoga sessions, nature walks, massage therapy, plate smashing, and a screening of "When Sadness Lingers." The ultimate goal of the event is to build a long-term community, where individuals can release their burdens and reconnect with optimism.

A collaboration of film promotion organizations formed in 2025 to support "When Sadness Lingers," planning activities including screenings, panel discussions, and marketing campaigns to raise awareness and audience engagement.

Despite the delays in the film's release, Anne believes that its message is timeless. The pandemic may have delayed the film's release for years, but Anne sees it as an opportunity for the film's message to resonate even more deeply, as mental health is a pressing issue in the Philippines and the world.

In a poignant moment during the film's production, one employee confided in Anne after a mental health talk, admitting feelings of envy towards a co-worker that she traced back to her childhood and constant comparisons. This incident underscores the film's relevance and its potential to spark meaningful conversations about mental health.