Nigerian filmmaker Gbenga Adeoti has warned independent filmmakers against portraying mental health conditions without adequate research and professional guidance, saying inaccurate depictions could undermine efforts to educate audiences.
He urged filmmakers to collaborate with mental health experts and obtain consent from actors with similar personal experiences to avoid causing psychological distress during productions.
Adeoti gave the advice during the Signs of Silence virtual conference, organised by One Film Africa in collaboration with Chocolate Dreams on October 31.
Responding to questions about the involvement of mental health professionals in Nigerian film productions, the co-founder of Filmjoint acknowledged that financial constraints often prevented independent filmmakers from hiring specialists.
He, however, recommended partnerships with professionals as a practical alternative to engaging them on a full-time basis.
“Most films are usually independent films and may not be able to afford it. The best way to go about it is collaboration. It is always important to collaborate,” he said.
Adeoti said films could serve as instruments for educating the public about psychological wellbeing, helping audiences understand mental health challenges and recognise when to seek professional support.
He stressed that filmmakers and actors must conduct thorough research to ensure their portrayals of psychological experiences were accurate, relatable and sensitive.
He also cautioned against using actors’ personal experiences without their permission, particularly when the roles involved traumatic or distressing events.
“Especially for actors who have experienced something similar, you need their consent to avoid triggering their experiences,” he said.
The filmmaker maintained that adequate preparation and professional input would enable the industry to tell more responsible mental health stories.
The Signs of Silence campaign is a 90-day initiative aimed at promoting mental health awareness through cinema and creative expression. Organised by Choice Obaro, it seeks to encourage conversations about psychological wellbeing.
Discussion0