Abuja: “Not a Burden,” an advocacy film spotlighting children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and cerebral palsy, premiered in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), drawing attention to the challenges and resilience of families with special needs.
The filmmakers, actors, government officials, and the cast and crew of the film were present at Silverbird Cinemas for its screening over the weekend.
The film is an initiative of the Royal School of Educational Therapy Foundation(RSETF) in collaboration with Lancelot Imasuen’s Media Network Limited.
“Not a Burden“ brings to the fore everyday deprivation and neglect children with special needs suffer in society, even in the hands of their supposed loved ones.
The film advocates for empathy, acceptance, and inclusion, enabling everyone to participate fully in society and achieve their full potential, including those considered ‘useless’.
It elicits emotions and lessons as it brings these children together to share their stories, featuring alongside notable Nollywood stars.
The film is directed and produced by legendary filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen, featuring seasoned actors including Ali Nuhu, Francis Duru, Empress Njama, Fiona Garba, Adaku Dike, and Demola Ogunsi, among others.
Some stakeholders, including cast and crew members, who spoke with journalists on the red carpet, described the movie as a loud voice for children with special needs as they navigate life’s paths.
Imasuen, the film Director, expressed delight at being a part of the project, describing it as a service to humanity.
According to him, every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to participate fully in society and reach their full potential.
“Through this movie, people are going to realise that we have been unfair to them, underestimated them and that God doesn’t make mistakes.
“They may be challenged in one area or the other, but in several different places, they are much more than we can imagine.
“You are going to see these children metamorphose into different things in life.
“This movie remains an experience I will take to my grave, and I feel very proud and humbled that I’m able to raise the team that produced the film,” he said.
Dr Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, founder of RSETF and Executive Producer of the emotionally charged film, said the project is inspired by the real-life experiences of individuals with disabilities and their families.
According to her, the movie aims to shift societal attitudes, challenge stigma, and promote inclusive development for people living with disabilities.
“It is more than just looking at children and their families; you also have to think about the social-emotional impact, and that will need to build them up.
“When they see that they actually have abilities, they start to grow because everybody has strength, and finding that strength is our goal.
“That is why at the foundation we go around, advocate, and sensitise the community that they should bring such children out and let us build a holistic intervention plan for them,” she said.
According to the Executive Producer, plans are underway to screen the film in relevant film festivals worldwide, and therefore, a call for support and partnerships has been issued.
Sen. John Azuta-Mbata. The President-General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Worldwide lauded the project, describing it as a timely intervention for children with special needs and their families.
“It’s a good move in the right direction to publicise the situation further because the general tendency is to hide it.
“There is a need for more intervention from both the government and the organised sector, and from individuals; all hands have to be on deck.
“Let us see how we can make life better for these children with special needs,” he said.
