Why my films tackle mental health issues – Dr. Victor Okoye
In recent years, mental health issues has garnered a bit of attention, following the outcry from international celebrities and top governmental officials.
On that note, a doctor has devoted his degree to creating films that address mental health issues, Dr. Victor Okoye Frank.
He is an award winning filmmaker, known for one his earliest works “creative minds”, that earned him the best director of a short documentary at Africa’s most prestigious short film festival Afrinolly in 2014.
Shedding more lights on the reasons behind this move, the doctor cum filmmaker said: “If a person’s feelings and actions are influenced by what they see and hear, that knowledge can be employed in cases of mental health crisis, by creating an art work that provides a point of reference for the individual, such that it gives them a new perspective on what they are going through. This means creating a real story, one that is relatable to the patient, and presenting it in a manner that is as entertaining and captivating as you can get, then ask a question, and your patient will find an answer.
People leave cinemas and wish to become the character they just saw on the big screen, sometimes referencing them in their everyday lives. This goes to show that motion pictures have such strong effects and the time to find a much more critical use for them beyond entertainment and escapism is now.”
Victor’s work “Purpose” is currently being played across schools in the United States as part of counseling programs organized by Art With Impact. His feature film “Jidenna” is set to debut in the fall of 2019.
