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‘Little Light’: A Beacon of Hope in Maternal Health

The short film ‘Little Light’ produced by SANTAM has made waves on an international scale by winning the Best Film award at the VerticalMovie Festival 2025 held in Rome, Italy. This award-winning film takes a bold and colorful approach to the serious issue of postpartum depression, presenting it through a vivid lens that captivates audiences and sheds light on a delicate social issue.

The Concept Behind ‘Little Light’

At its core, ‘Little Light’ explores the nuanced emotional landscape of a woman experiencing postpartum depression, capturing her journey over 15 years as she slowly regains her sense of self with the help of an AI counselor and the support of family and community. Diving headfirst into the often invisible struggles of motherhood, the film employs the innovative format of vertical film, enhancing the immersive experience that draws viewers into the protagonist’s world.

In this film, SANTAM tackles the neglected conversation around maternal isolation through a visually stunning narrative. By juxtaposing bright costumes against serious themes, the film conveys a powerful contrast that not only engages the audience but also resonates with the emotional turmoil of the characters. The audience is left with a myriad of feelings and reflections after watching, which is what the judges particularly praised:

• - Impressive Contrast in Visuals: The vibrant costumes contrasted with the subject's darkness create stunning visuals.
• - Emotional Depth in Performance: The protagonist's performance captures the inner struggle and strength beautifully.
• - Relatable Storytelling: Viewers are left with empathy and insights, essential for the film's impact.

The VerticalMovie Festival: A New Cinematic Trend

The VerticalMovie Festival has carved a niche for itself by making vertical cinema its main focus, paving the way for discovering and showcasing new trends in visual storytelling. The festival aims to be a platform for creative and innovative filmmakers and has gained international acclaim for its unique approach to film presentation.

Themes of Resilience and Connection

‘Little Light’ does not just portray the struggles of postpartum depression but also sends a crucial message: “You don’t have to bear it alone.” By promoting the importance of community support and shared experiences, the film encourages a conversation about maternal mental health, urging society to recognize and address these often-hidden issues. The narrative emphasizes the gradual emergence of hope that comes when caregivers band together, transforming shared pain into a collective journey towards healing.

The filmmakers aim for audiences to gain insight into the importance of supporting mothers and fostering a community that alleviates the burden of solitary parenting. ‘Little Light’ embodies SANTAM's commitment to creating a richer, safer environment for parenting, shedding light on invisible yet pressing societal issues that affect many today.

Future Endeavors: More Stories to Tell

Following the success of ‘Little Light’, SANTAM is excited to continue exploring themes such as parenting, women’s life events, and emotional changes through various cinematic narratives. The company has already announced the spin-off project titled ‘Gentle With Myself’, focusing on women experiencing PMS, which was also recognized at the same festival. This continuation of storytelling highlights the ongoing emotional fluctuations women face, emphasizing shared experiences.

Currently, ‘Little Light’ is available for viewing. Episode 1 is streaming for free on YouTube, while episodes 2 through 6 can be found on SANTAM’s platform, ‘Waiting Answer’, designed to delve into the topics of women's mental health through accessible storytelling. The ease of access through LINE allows anyone interested to join in the conversation, further bridging gaps in understanding around maternal mental health issues.

Conclusion

As we step into this new era of storytelling, ‘Little Light’ serves as a vital reminder of the resilience within each individual and the power of community. This film is not just an artistic piece but also an emotional rallying cry for recognition and support, fostering deeper empathy towards those grappling with mental health issues. SANTAM remains dedicated to shining a light on the stories that matter, ensuring that no one feels isolated in their struggles.

Let’s continue to explore and embrace the beauty of our shared experiences.

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For more information about ‘Little Light’ and to access all episodes, please visit SANTAM’s website.