The Independent Black Filmmakers Collective (IBFC) promotes mental well-being within the screen industry and launched the Izimbali Mental Health Campaign at the Encounters South African International Documentary on 25th June 2022 event held at the Goethe Institut Johannesburg.
Many entertainment industry workers, both in front of the camera, and those behind the scenes, have long experienced mental health challenges. While the severity of mental health crisis is felt across all sectors, the creative sector, has recently experienced many suicides by well-known artists and practitioners, a situation which has raised concern in the public domain.
The red-carpet glamour can sometimes hide the stressful realities of working in the film business: job insecurity, low pay, burnout, rejection and intense periods with long hours away from family and friends is just the tip of the iceberg. That is why industry experts are now calling for more mental health awareness and solutions throughout the Izimbali Mental Health Campaign.
IBFC invited a panel to uncover challenges faced by individuals operating in the sector.
Thabang Moleya, Khethiwe Ngcobo, Motlatsi Mafatshe, Rephethile Kgwale. Photo Cred:Akido Malabela
Thabang Moleya has directed over 45 high end commercials. Moleya has a passion for story telling in all formats, including Drama Series (Gomora, The Herd, Jacobs Cross, Jozi H) and feature films (Happiness is a Four-Letter Word). which became the highest grossing box office films in 2016.
Rephethile Kgwale is a mental health advocate who is passionate about eradicating the stigma associated with mental illness. She presents a series of live IG chats called Mental Health 101 with Rephethile Kgwale, which provides a safe platform for people to discuss mental health issues.
Motlatsi Mafatshe is an actor and musician. He is best known for his roles in the popular films Isidingo, Sokhulu &Partners II and Zama Zama. Apart from acting, he is also a renowned musician who made more than 400 singles. Motlatsi is a strong believer in Wellness
The panelist spoke about their experience working in the film industry. They explained how power dynamics have affected their work/life balance – e.g. an executive producer calls you out of hours and a refusal may imply that you are not a real “team player” – or the problems of not relating with the dominating “drinking culture.” “You’re just there without being yourself. It’s just performative,” they said.
The panelists also explored different strategies and solutions for a healthier industry, one in which fewer people sustain harm and more people feel welcome
“There isn’t sufficient support for people in the right place at the right time and in the right way, the toolkit offers guidance, expert advice, resources and best practice guides via a free-to-use website and the hope is that by the end of 2023 at least 15+ productions will commit to incorporating it into their projects.” says IBFC member and producer Khethiwe Ngcobo who moderated the conversation.
The IBFC is committed to supporting the mental wellbeing of its members and the wider creative sector by creating awareness, providing guidelines and solutions, and recommending employment benefits for the sector with relevant stakeholders. The organization believes the interventions proposed are cost-effective and sanctioned by health experts consulted.
