Depression is a common mental disorder and more than 264 million people of all ages globally suffer from it.
The “Good” short film intends to give an up-close and personal look at someone who may experience the struggles of depression while reminding us how awkward and hard it can be to have those conversations.
The 5-minute film was written and directed by 28-year-old Ruzelle Almonds.
The filmmaker says she began writing the film in January of 2020 and it took a little over 3 months to produce the project, which ended in November of last year.
Almonds says she hopes this film will resonate with those suffering from depression.
“Even if it’s not the whole thing and even it’s just like a moment where they’re like yes, I know that feeling, I’ve been in that situation before, I’ve totally done that. That’s what I want. I want people to see themselves in those pockets and be willing to talk about it more because that’s the intent of ‘Good’ — to remind us how hard it is to talk about it. And also make us ask ourselves well how can I talk about it, how can we talk about it, how can we continue to create safe spaces so that we can talk about the struggles we have, talk about our mental health in ways that are healthy, productive and can help us,” Almonds said.
In an interview with PNC, Joyce Torres, the main character of the film empathized with her role in the film.
“Since March, when the pandemic first happened, I didn’t really get to act. The biggest fear was could I actually act? But when Ruzelle sent me the script, I read it and I cried. And I knew whatever it is, there is obviously something in me that resonates with what she wrote. And it’s kinda scary, honestly, when you think about it when reading the script. Even though I knew what these feelings were … like being vulnerable and that open and honest about these pretty not talked about feelings … it made me as an actor and as a person that much more motivated to try to be as honest and authentic with what Ruzelle created,” Torres said.
The rest of the cast members are Hannah Elmore and Sara Untalan.
Maurice Jones is the Director of Photography, Production Assistant & Script Supervisor is John Torres, Ronald Fuellas as the Grip, Amanda Dedicatoria as the Editor and in charge of Sound Design and Music is Jase Sarmiento.
The project is supported by a grant from The National Endowment for the Arts, the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency, the Government of Guam, and The Office of the Governor.
About 50 people have signed up to see the film, thus far. The film is set to premiere virtually, Saturday, February 13, 2021, at 3 p.m.
You can register to watch the film at mizzalmonds.com
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