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New film highlights veterans suffering from PTSD
The creators of Remember Me. From left, Denton Pangelinan, Rita Indalecio, and Carlo Domingo.
(REICA RAMIREZ)
In honor of Memorial Day, a local visual arts company premiered a short film to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues that plague many veterans.
The film, Remember Me, was created by D&R Visuals using the combined creative imaginations of Denton Pangelinan and Rita Indalecio. Besides PTSD, their film also raises awareness about its related symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicide.
The film, which was shown Monday at Regal Saipan Megaplex, relates the tale of two friends who came back home after being deployed for many years and both face the challenges of PTSD. The friends are portrayed in the film by Derek Cutting and Pangelinan himself.
Pangelinan was also the producer, video editor, and sound designer. Indalecio, along with Carlo Domingo, were the directors and video editors of the film.
Pangelinan said the film stresses the importance of seeking help when people are challenged by mental health disorders. “People are so scared [to get help] because there is stigma, where people are teased or [bullied] for trying to get mental help. In all honesty, finding help is what everyone needs. That is why we wanted to portray how important it is to talk to someone if you’re going through something.”
Pangelinan pointed out that veterans who witness traumatic events often endure mental health issues when they go back to civilian life. In fact, independent numbers have shown that 22 veterans commit suicide each day. The filmmakers were so affected by this that the money that they raised from the film’s premiere will be donated to Mission 22, a non-profit organization that combats veteran suicide.
