The Blind Stigma has created a huge impact since it premiered on February 7th 2015 and has since become 'The Poster' film for mental health among Black Canadians.
Produced and directed by Stacy-Ann Buchanan, The Blind Stigma is an award-winning film that made Canadian history by being the first documentary produced in Canada that discusses mental health within the Black community. It chronicles and testifies the stories of five individuals on their trials and triumphs with mental health. Each story is told bravely and effectively with additional context provided by mental health professionals, religious leaders, caregivers, and your everyday citizen. Within the Black community, mental health is deemed as a 'Swept Under The Rug' stigma that has been creating false illusions and assumptions for a long time. That stigma is the core component of the Black community's response to mental illness, and therefore those who suffer from mental illness are less likely to seek treatment. As a result very few studies have been done on the impact of mental illness in the Black community. The Blind Stigma powerfully removes the veil of shame that clouds the topic of mental illness in the Black community, challenge that misconception, give a voice to Black Canadians living with mental illness and leaves the audience more informed and empowered.
Production: Stacy-Ann Buchanan Productions
Camera: Half-Way There Productions
Production Manager: Kerryann Crawford
Producer|Director: Stacy-Ann Buchanan
Assistant Director: Natalya Toney
Director Of Photography: Shawn Lincoln Buckley
Art and Set Decor: Camille Lauren-Art of Ciel
Wardrobe Stylist: Tia Thomas-Realeza Image and Wellness Consulting
Behind The Scenes Photography: Tanya Ernandez-Dennis-T.E.Dennis Photography
Hair: Tesha Brown-Afrodiasic Hair Studio
Makeup: Toni-Ann Williams
Catering: Fred Alexander-Fred’s Touch Catering
Cast: Pauleanna Reid, Chivon John, Freddy King, Lisa Gibson and Stacy-Ann Buchanan.