Coming Soon: Anino ng Kahapon (Shadows of the Past), a Film About Schizophrenia

Anino ng Kahapon (Shadows of the Past) is an Independent film written and directed by the award-winning Alvin Yapan, and produced in partnership with Janssen Pharmaceutica, a division of Johnson & Johnson Philippines. 

It tells the story of a Filipino family who has to deal with the fact that one of its members, Irene (played by Agot Isidro) is suffering from Schizophrenia. The film shows the family as they try to cope with the situation, as well as their struggles to help their troubled relative. Other cast members include TJ Trinidad (who plays the role of Irene's husband, Ed), Carl Acosta (as Irene's son, Brian), Carlo Cruz (Carlo, Ed's brother), and Upeng Galang (as Ed's mother Flor).

A scene from the film shows how Irene struggles with Schizophrenia

The film aims to build awareness about Schizophrenia, a condition which causes people to hear voices others don't hear, or cause them to believe that other people are out to harm them.  The film also hopes to disprove common misconceptions about the condition. While there is still no known cure, the illness is actually manageable and can still be treated if detected in its early stages. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 24 million people around the world are afflicted with the condition, 90% of whom come from developing countries such as the Philippines. More than 50% of these 24 million people do not receive appropriate care, which makes the situation worse for those with the condition. Four out of ten people suffering from Schizophrenia may attempt to commit suicide.

Support for mental health treatment facilities, unfortunately, is not one of the Philippine government's priorities. Mental conditions such as Schizophrenia are also not covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), which is owned by the government. Without proper funding from the government, the $2 (or about Php90) needed monthly for treatment is a big burden to lower-income families here in the country.

The film Anino ng Kahapon hopes to open the people's eyes to the condition, so that help would be extended to people who need it. The film is set to be released commercially by October, which is also Mental Health Month. 

To watch the film's trailer, please click here.