When community loses hope, grandmothers take action. In 2006, Dr. Dixon Chibanda, a psychiatrist in Zimbabwe, was ordered by the government to deal with the severe mental health crisis afflicting the nation, but the country lacks qualified professionals. Dr. Dixon’s visionary approach of establishing the “Friendship Bench” within communities started with a group of 14 grandmothers (Gogos), training them in cognitive therapy to treat depression on public benches. His initiative has since expanded throughout Zimbabwe, into neighboring countries and all over the world.
In the presence of Dr Dixon Chibanda, psychiatrist and founder of the Friendship Bench initiative.
Press
“It’s rare to come across such a hopeful story. Truly inspiring!” – Encounters Film Festival
“..one psychiatrist for every 1.5 million people– and a surplus of grandmothers seeking purpose in their lives.”- PBS News
Festivals
SAGE Encounters Refinery Best Edited Film Award, South Africa
SOTAMBE Zambia (Best Documentary award)
Dokumentale, Berlin, Germany
Human International Documentary Film Festival, Oslo
Director's Biography
Rea Moeti-Vogt is a visionary producer and director, celebrated for her creativity and storytelling prowess, raised in a culture where the elderly are revered and valued, influenced by her grandparents’ wisdom. This documentary is her first feature-length project.