Van Vicker Calls for Urgent Safety Reforms in African Film Industry Following On-Set Injury

Ghanaian actor and filmmaker Van Vicker has joined the growing chorus of voices advocating for improved safety standards in African film productions, following reports that Nollywood actor Godwin Nnadiekwe was hospitalized with internal bleeding after being accidentally kicked on set by fellow actor Zubby Michael.

In a heartfelt Facebook post on Monday, May 26, 2025, Van Vicker described the incident as “extremely disquieting” and used the opportunity to highlight the dangers actors face in productions that often lack essential safety protocols, insurance coverage, or stunt professionals.

“The headline about an actor sustaining internal bleeding (I am yet to authenticate) by virtue of another actor stumping (not maliciously) him in his torso during filming is extremely disquieting,” Vicker wrote.

While acknowledging that the alleged kick may have been unintentional, he stressed that physical scenes should never be improvised. “Scenes with potential or actual contact must be rehearsed,” he said, especially in contexts where real props are used and no protective rigging is in place.

Vicker admitted that some directors resist rehearsals to preserve spontaneity and realism, but he disagrees with this approach. “I have a reserved concurrence,” he noted, arguing that true acting lies in preparation and execution, not unpredictability.

“Great acting is knowing what to expect—because you’ve read the script, received direction, and rehearsed—and still making it believable.”

He further explained that proper rehearsal and planning not only ensure safety but also protect producers and directors from accusations of negligence. “When rehearsals are done and safety measures are in place, the responsibility falls off the shoulders of the producer,” he noted.

The veteran actor urged the film industry, media, and fans to treat this incident as a wake-up call. “It should be highlighted deliberately by industry players, the fourth estate, and well-meaning film lovers as a red flag,” he wrote. “Measures must be put in place to ensure such adversities don’t get repeated.”

Van Vicker concluded with a powerful reminder that the growth of African cinema depends not only on technical advancement and storytelling, but also on the health and safety of its actors.

“Our industry’s growth is not reliant on quality sound, acting, and pictures alone. The well-being of the actors is coterminous with such advancements.”

Source: African Publicity