Starring: Jackie Appiah, Emeka Ike, Hilda Dokubo, Soibifaa Dokubo, Ngozi Nwosu, Francis Duru, Clem Ohameze

Synopsis:

A young woman diagnosed with HIV defeats her prognosis despite rejection from her community.

Review:

Vanessa (Jackie Appiah) grew up underprivileged in a small town in Nigeria. From a young girl, she assisted her mother during midwifery duties to pregnant women in the community.

When Vanessa became a young adult her mother encouraged her to become a midwife as well, but Vanessa didn’t want to mimic any part of her mother’s life. 

History dictated that Vanessa was the result of sex with a sailor. Her mother gave birth to more children when she fell in love with Smart (Soibifaa Dokubo). Smart was a womanizer that flaunted his money and by the time her mother realized that he was just an unemployed, drunken, philanderer, her life was already ruined. 

Vanessa had plans to marry Ebiye (Daniel Braide) but her mother was diagnosed with aids and her family became an outcast in the community. The problem was that her mother never used gloves during childbirth procedures and it was believed that’s how she contracted the virus. Vanessa was guilty of the same mistake and she was later diagnosed HIV positive also. 

The future seemed dim for Vanessa as she was devastated by the loss of her mother and she was then neglected by Smart and Ebiye. She attempted to take her own life but with a change of attitude and the right support, she discovered a way to turn her life around. 

Let’s Talk. This is a story of perseverance. It enlightened us to the various ways HIV can be transmitted as well as the ignorance that still exists in regard to the virus.

The stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS relates to people who believe that the virus is easily contagious. It’s another form of discrimination that creates shame and divides people at a time when the ill need emotional support the most. 

In terms of the story, the struggle and antiquated village life blessed it with its vibrant authenticity. The characters were honest and made the drama all the more appealing. We would hope that the world has been educated to some degree about HIV and AIDS but if not, the movie serves as a reminder of some of the facts. 

The drama led us to believe that Ibiso (Vanessa’s mother) contracted HIV from negligent contact with patients but she also had unprotected sex with Smart, the town womanizer. Since HIV had obviously penetrated the neighborhood, it’s possible that he could have infected her. 

Ibiso confided that Smart couldn’t perform using prophylactics but he performed to perfection when he promised her the world while he courted her best friend. 

The twist of fate was that Vanessa’s diagnosis led to a life of success. Had she not contracted the virus it’s likely that she would have continued a life of poverty. It was during her illness that she conceived the idea to create a documentary. She won a prestigious award and wealth followed. Honestly, this aspect of the story was a bit fantastical but the filmmaker’s point was that career goals could still be achieved regardless of the virus. 

When Vanessa returned to the town that once scorned her, she was then welcomed with open arms. She had gained notoriety and it’s amazing how fame made the villagers forget their disdain. 

The movie concluded with a layer of unpredictability in terms of Vanessa’s life’s decisions. I didn’t really care for the ending but I guess the choices fell under the scope of forgiveness. 

Performances? Pretty damn good. The writers gave us Vanessa, Ibiso, Smart, and Dr. Jide who were played by Jackie Appiah, Hilda Dokubo, Soibifaa Dokubo, and Emeka Ike, respectively. These actors have the natural ability to rope you in and the characters were well played.  

This movie was produced a few years ago.  Obviously the release was delayed but it was well worth the wait. 

“Stigma” is an important and uplifting story. It’s easy for those of us who are HIV negative to preach encouragement and tenacity but as the movie illustrated, mental strength, treatment, and prayer, can prolong life in any given circumstance. RECOMMEND