'Jowable' director Darryl Yap, criticized by netizens for allegedly stereotyping single parents in latest short
Director and screenwriter Darryl Yap received criticisms from netizens yesterday, May 11, for allegedly stereotyping single parents in his latest short film.
Titled “AYUDamn,” the masterpiece shows actress Loren Marinas ranting that she hasn't received any relief goods or cash aid from the barangay after being cooped up in her place for so long.
She tells the listener that almost everyone in her neighborhood has already received their assistance except her.
By the two-minute mark, she tells the supposed barangay captain, “Bakit ba kasi inuuna ninyo iyang mga hindi deserving!
“Single parent? Single parent, e, multiple ang kalandian niyan! Multiple benefits yan! May ka-chat pang AFAM.”
Criticisms from single parents and children
As of press time, the video has already received more than 408K reactions from netizens and fans alike.
However, in the comments section, netizens slam the short by describing the statement as “crude” and “judgmental.”
A netizen wrote, “I was part of a broken family and it wasn't easy seeing my mom working so hard para lang may mapakain sa amin. How rude, judging, and mocking a single parent without knowing their history. F*ck up.”
Another commented, “The struggle and sacrifices my mom had to go through just to raise and provide for me and my brother, alone. Demanded so much of everything she had. I won't let you shit on and destroy the image of single parents raising their children. #BoycottDarrylYap.”
One fan suggested, “Darryl, fix your script. This isn't right anymore. If you want to have a million viewers then make a good short film hindi sabay sa uso short film. Ang alarming ng mga content mo. Be sensitive enough. Tandaan mo, responsible ka sa mga pinoproduce mo.”
Netizens lambast Darryl Yap for his latest short film titled 'AYUDAmn.' / Source: VinCentiments (FB)
Darryl's statement
In his Facebook page, VinCentiments, Darryl released an official statement by saying he is taking full responsibility for the alleged stereotyping in his short.
However, he argues that his projects were meant to provoke the viewer and that it's meant to be “crass and unapologetic.”
He said, “Throughout the years I've managed to be consistent with my messaging, with my branding. But the unapologetic nature of my craft does not necessarily reflect my person.
“With this, I take full responsibility of the negative impact that #AYUDAmn, and its alleged stereotyping, might have caused the single parents of this world. I own up to some miscalculations. I acknowledge that my art is not meant for the faint of heart. Be prepared to be offended. Because it is precisely the intention -- to provoke.”
He continues to mention that his work of “art” is meant for healthy discourse that is essential to the democratic environment we live in.
Thus, he cannot promise that he will be careful next time.
“Recklessness is an essential part of our craft. Political correctness is not our cup of tea. I will not apologize for hurt that's taken by choice. I can only explain my art to you; I cannot understand it for you.
“If you watch our shorts and expect that it will be 'tamed' next time, expect to be disappointed.”
Darryl Yap is a Filipino filmmaker, writer, and producer, best known for directing the film Jowable starring real life couple Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles.