AN all-female production company, Slate 2 Productions, teamed up with other roleplayers to produce “Eruption”, a short film on mental health awareness.
The production company is led by Sinomtha Nduna and Miselwa Ngamlana and they have teamed up with The Eastern Cape Film Festival, a developmental initiative led by Nceba Mqolomba (chairperson of the Eastern Cape Film Forum) to produce the film.
“We strive to tell stories addressing issues that are normally shunned in our society, often with a disastrous boomerang effect,” said Nceba Mqolomba, who hails from Uitenhage.
“Our objective is to educate about mental health and to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness are often subjected to.
“As artists, we know more than anyone how mental illness can crush you and make you feel like you’re just existing without a purpose.”
Be cautious of your actions and words
According to him, people often unintentionally expose themselves to situations that put them under pressure.
“We believe that the ‘cure’ for mental health is facing all those loud noises inside your head. Do not avoid them. Scream and allow yourself to breathe … just breathe.”
The short film is based on the experiences of the main character and the voices she hears and how they affect her as someone who is depressed.
“We want people to be cautious as their actions and words may affect other persons without the knowledge of the cause it might have,” said Mqolomba.
Crowd funding
Crowd funding was initiated to raise the necessary funds to produce the short film. Individuals, companies, and organisations wishing to contribute can follow the link www.backabuddy.co.za/miselwa-ngamlana.
All contributions will be credited at the end of the film.
– HEILIE COMBRINCK
