VOICES on mental health in Senegal

Last year, I collaborated with artists and film makers to create an experimental artistic film on the lived experiences of mental health challenges that was launched during the opening of our exhibition of paintings by patients at the psychiatric clinic in Dakar at the 15th Biennale of African Contemporary Art in Dakar. 

Entitled ‘Xool Ma’ in Wolof (See me - Regardes moi) the name says it all in a society and world that stigmatises, devalues and rejects those living with mental health challenges.  

Now, we’re looking to promote this film and submit it to film festivals that celebrate mental health awareness, social impact, and experimental filmmaking. 

A testimonial from one of the artists who participated in the film…

Participating in the film gave me an opportunity to reflect the true reality of my life. Sharing my experiences of living with mental illness had a very powerful impact on me. Then, afterwards actually seeing myself in the film was incredible. Seeing parts of myself unfold before my eyes helped me to detach from my own anxiety and obsessive obsessive thoughts. Every year in November and December, I fall ill, but not this year.”

Thank you to the associations RESCAP’ART and Studio Kakatar, and to the Luxembourg Embassy in Dakar for their support of this invaluable work. 

If you have leads, contacts, or recommendations for film festivals, distributors, or media platforms that would be interested in showcasing this project, feel free to reach out or drop suggestions in the comments. Let’s get this important film out into and seen by the world!

Are you passionate about the power of the arts to support mental health?

For more insights into our work and to explore opportunities for collaboration, where you can make a real difference, go to Art for Mental Health and Transform your Community.

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