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A mother, a son, and a community caught between love and stigma: the new movie "Rosemead" (produced by Lucy Liu) hits like a quiet earthquake. After watching the early screening, I ugly-cried when I found out that it was based on a true story. Because the story tackles the complexities of loving someone with mental illness, I just had to talk about it here. In this episode, I sit down with "Rosemead" actor Anzi De Benedetto to unpack how a true story about schizophrenia, grief, and culture moves beyond clichés and into the messy details of real life. What does support look like when friends don’t have the right language? How does a family navigate care when stigma and “face” loom over every choice?

Anzi shares his path to the role of Stan, a well-intentioned friend whose lighthearted validation brings comfort, but only to a certain level. We explore the line between empathy and minimization, the moment when a “pep talk” must give way to professional help, and why understanding psychosis as an ongoing condition, not just a singular event. The conversation expands into the cultural dynamics inside Chinese American communities depicted in the film.

Still reeling from the emotional impact of the movie, I had to ask Anzi about his journey with acting that brought him to "Rosemead." He offers a rare look into the acting craft as emotional science: breathwork, body cues, and set safety over mythology, mirroring the same regulation skills I also teach. 

If Rosemead is screening near you, go see it and tell us what you think. Fair warning- it's not for the faint of heart. Bring tissues. 

Resources:

• Follow Anzi on his Instagram: @its_anzi
• Get updates on "Rosemead": @rosemeadfilm

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• For more info about this podcast, check out: www.alittlehelpforourfriends.com