''Stigma'' is a 2013 Nigerian drama film based on the discrimination faced by persons living with

HIV The human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) are two species of '' Lentivirus'' (a subgroup of retrovirus) that infect humans. Over time, they cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in which progressive failure of the immu ...

virus in a village in

Rivers State Rivers State, also known as Rivers, is a state in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria (Old Eastern Region). Formed in 1967, when it was split from the former Eastern Region, Rivers State borders include: Imo to the north, Abia and Akwa I ...

. It was directed by Diminas Dagogo and stars

Jackie Appiah Jackie Appiah (born 5 December 1983) is a Canadian-born Ghanaian actress. For her work as an actress, she has received several awards and nominations, including the awards for ''Best Actress in a Leading Role'' at the 2010 Africa Movie Academy Aw ...

Hilda Dokubo Hilda Dokubo is a Nigerian award-winning film actress, activist and youth advocate who once served as special adviser on youth affairs to Peter Odili, a former governor of Rivers State. Early life and education Hilda Dokubo was born as the firs ...

and

Emeka Ike Emeka Ike (born 22 March 1967) is a Nigerian actor. He was a special guest in Monrovia on the occasion of the commissioning of the new pavilion of Center for Democratic Change CDC, in Liberia Liberia (), officially the Republic of Liberi ...

. The film was produced by

Rivers State Ministry of Health The Rivers State Ministry of Health is a ministry of the Government of Rivers State that facilitates the provision of health services to residents and visitors in Rivers State, Nigeria. Its current headquarters is at 2nd Floor, State Secretariat C ...

Plot

Ibiso (

) is responsible for delivery of babies in her community. She is married to an alcoholic and womanizer, Smart (Soibifa Dokubo). Ibiso's daughter, Vanessa (

) continues to refuse the advances of Ebiye (Daniel Braid) towards her because she doesn't want to make the marital mistakes of her mother. Ebiye continues to woo Vanessa, sharing his allowances with her, with the hope that she will reciprocate his care towards her one day. Due to her mum's persistent failing health, A youth corper, Dr. Jide (

) advises Vanessa to bring her mum to the clinic after the herbal medicine administered by the traditional doctor proved ineffective. Ebiye perceives his relationship with Vanessa is at risk due to her closeness to Dr. Jide. At the clinic, a counselling session on HIV is held with Vanessa before the test. It was later revealed to her that her mum was infected with the AIDS virus. She recollects how her mum used same equipment for different pregnant women for years. As Ibiso's health worsens, Counselor Edet (

Francis Duru Francis Duru (born July 27, 1969) is a Nigerian actor who in 2007 received the ''United Nations Ambassador of Peace award'' for his positive influence on the youths. In 2010 Duru was appointed as the interim president of the Actors Guild of N ...

) reveals that the HIV virus was left untreated for years hence the complications to her health. Ibiso died shortly afterwards. Dr. Jide travels to Port Harcourt after the completion of his service year. Vanessa is also revealed to have contacted HIV after a blood contact with an infected equipment used by her Ibiso. As the news of the presence of HIV in Ibiso's family spreads across the village, there is a wide level of discrimination against Vanessa and her two siblings. Ebiye break ties with Vanessa. Unable to withstand the stigmatization, Vanessa attempts to commit suicide by hanging. But was unsuccessful after the rope got torn. Dr. Jide and Counselor Edet makes provision to meet Vanessa in Port Harcourt. In Port Harcourt, Vanessa is introduced to Pastor Jude (

Clem Ohameze Clem Ohameze is a Nigerian actor with two decades in acting. Clem Ohameze started professional acting in 1995. But his breakthrough role was in 1998 when he featured in a big-budget movie titled ''ENDTIME''. He has acted in over 500 movies in h ...

) by Dr. Jide, who also registers her in an interactive social group for people living with AIDS. Vanessa wins a

United Nations The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizi ...

writing award for people living with HIV. Dr. Jide asks Vanessa to marry him. On the wedding day, it is revealed that Ebiye was actually the groom. After some reluctance, Vanessa later agreed to forgive and marry Ebiye.

Cast

as Vanessa *

as Ibiso *

as Dr. Jide *Soibifa Dokubo as Smart *

Ngozi Nwosu Ngozi Nwosu (born 1 August 1963) is a veteran Nigerian actress and producer. She began her acting career in Yoruba-language films, before making her home-video debut in '' Living in Bondage'', an Igbo-language film considered to begin the vid ...

as Telema *

as Counselor Edet *

as Pastor Jude *Daniel Braid as Ebiye

Release

It was released on 1 December 2013 in Port Harcourt to commemorate the

World Aids Day World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease. The acquired immun ...

in Rivers State.

Reception

360nobs.com in its extensive review highlighted the positives from an HIV-related movie after ''Goodbye Tomorrow'' (1995), ''Yet Another Day'', ''Visa to Hell'', ''Dark Moment'' and ''Inside Story''. It went further to state that the film was a reminder that though the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is on the decline, the disease is still with us.

Awards

References

External links

* {{IMDb title, tt3726730, Stigma Films set in Port Harcourt Films shot in Rivers State Nigerian drama films HIV/AIDS in film