We have to face it – everybody has mental health problems especially after the pandemic. And while we’re easing our way back to regular programming or what we call the “new normal,” life now is even more complicated as it is before (particularly because of our government).
But like some including me, art saved us during those trying times. And that also is the case for Gayle Oblea, the director of the award-winning short film, ‘As The Moth Flies.’
“This started way back during the (height of the) pandemic. My sister and I, we are also dealing with our own demons and we were suffering some questions in mind like how long is this going to be, etc. And we diverted our attention into something else which was to write this film. When we originally did this, we wrote an 8-episode script because this particularly was really done for a limited series. That was our intention, to do a limited series because I’m currently working on a full length film called ‘Pag-amin,’ and we all know naman medyo mahirap talaga kumuha ng funding for it, hindi siya biro and ang ROI (Return of Investment) hindi din joke, medyo longer than the usual. So, sabi namin, gawa muna tayo ng script para sa isang limited series because we tried pitching the full-length but ‘yung full-length na ‘yun, they want to turn it into a series, ako naman I didn’t want to make it into a series. So, sabi ko I figured, why don’t we write a limited series, like a different story. So we wrote As The Moth Flies. Originally, dapat ‘Paru-paro’ ang name niya, pero nung time na ‘yun, sumikat ‘yung Paru-paro G (hit novelty song and dance). So pinalitan namin baka ma-associate dun,” she shares.
So, was making this short film, in a way, therapeutic for you?
“Both therapeutic and toxic at the same time. It was therapeutic because it humbles you, it reminds you of what the goal is of this film, and that is to spread awareness and to really end the stigma particularly in our country. But it’s also stressful because you deal with different personalities and at the end of the day, you cannot make use of your mental illness as an excuse. I’m not a fan of that. So, I feel like it was a challenge all in all that really brought us to the success of this film and its continued success in the future,” answers director Gayle Oblea.
“For me, yes it was therapeutic. As I have mentioned earlier, the timing also of it. I think the film was a way to understand it (mental illness) more and also have more knowledge to be able to share to more people. And at the same time, I got closer to my family,” ‘As The Moth Flies lead actor Boo Gabunada adds.
And after the film going to several film festivals outside the Philippines, what makes its Philippine premiere special?
“What’s special about it is it’s made here, it’s having its Asian premiere here which is such a huge honor for us all and at the same time, this is where most Filipinos could get to watch what we’ere talking about. Again, when we executed the film, when we wrote it, when we scored it, when we chose the music that we’re gonna be putting in the film, it’s all designed to make you feel like you’re going inside someone else’s head. That’s how it’s different and I’m excited that Filipinos can now watch it because we have been getting numerous questions and requests if they can get to watch it or get a copy of the film. We couldn’t because it could disqualify us to some festivals. Now it’s back home and I’m inviting everyone, all Filipinos, even if you don’t feel you have mental illness, I think it is important to encourage everyone to go watch this film,” director Gayle shares.
Creative Kartel, in association with Desi Matters and Happy Manila, proudly presents “AS THE MOTH FLIES,” a timely short film about mental illness, helmed by young and maverick filmmaker Gayle Oblea.
After participating in various international film festivals in Europe and US, “As The Moth Flies” is making its Asian Premiere in the Philippines as it competes in SINAG MAYNILA Independent Film Festival 2024 (short film category), slated from Sept. 4 to 8, 2024 in Gateway, SM Manila, and other cinemas in Metro Manila.
The film has been screened at Brussels Short Film Festival (Belgium), recognized as one of the most prestigious film festivals for short films, and is part of the 169 Oscar-qualifying festivals in the world.
It also participated in Little Venice Film Festival (Italy), Greenwich Film Festival (London), and Urban Dreams Festival (New York, USA). Hence, Director Gayle is excited to finally showcase her second short film in her homeland.
“As the director of ‘As The Moth Flies’, I am deeply honored and thrilled to bring the film to its Asian premiere in the Philippines, where the story’s roots resonate most profoundly.
“After its journey through festivals across Europe and the United States, having this homecoming is not just a milestone but a full-circle moment. This screening is significant not only because it returns to where the narrative was born, but because it carries the mission of the film: to open a window into the mind of someone living with mental illness.
“The aim has always been to go beyond observation, allowing audiences to experience — if only for a moment— the weight, discomfort, and complexities faced by those who struggle silently.
“By holding this premiere in Manila, we hope to break the silence and challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, using empathy as a bridge to understanding,” says Director Gayle.
The 15-minute short film stars seasoned actor Jeffrey “Epy” Quizon (as Dr. Oliver Sanchez, the psychiatrist), Mina Cruz (as Tonette, the wife), and Boo Gabunada (as Jett, the husband), along with Pam Arambulo.
Watch the trailer below: