I Too Crave Death sparks crucial conversations

Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Wednesday March 18, 2026 06:00

The event brought together parents and children to watch the film and engage in candid discussions about the challenges they face in their daily lives. The film, produced in Nigeria, tells the story of a mother-daughter relationship and explores themes of mental health, family dynamics and grief.

Following the screening, attendees shared their thoughts and experiences, with children expressing feelings of being misunderstood and parents struggling to navigate the complexities of parenting in today's world.

Founder of I Am Woman 2Twoo, Oagomotsa Gabaikanngwe, emphasised the importance of creating a safe space for families to discuss taboo topics.

'Since 2021, we have been hosting sessions to discuss issues that are considered taboos in our families, with an aim of creating a safe space for the audience to discuss, share their stories, and find healing from life traumas and harsh experiences,' she said.

The discussion highlighted the widening gap between parents and children, with social media cited as a contributing factor. Attendees also touched on the cultural trait of 'batho ba tla reng' (what will people say) and the tendency to sweep issues under the rug, which can exacerbate problems.

Gabaikanngwe encouraged families to reflect on their relationships and seek feedback from each other to strike a balance and resolve issues. The event also aimed to support families who have lost loved ones to suicide, providing guidance on navigating grief and identifying suicidal tendencies.

I Too Crave Death is a multi-award-winning film that sparks crucial conversations about mental health and family dynamics. The film's producer, who drew inspiration from her own experiences, hopes that the story will resonate with audiences and encourage open conversations.

'The themes that stand out are parent-child relations, where the gap between the two seems to be widening,' said Gabaikanngwe.

'We look into strategies we can explore to reduce the gap as well as look into suicide, which is a rising concern in teens and young adults in this country.'

The Bantu Film Festival and I Am Woman 2Twoo hope to continue facilitating these important discussions, providing a platform for families to break the silence and find healing.

As Gabaikanngwe noted, 'Our culture denies us the opportunity to talk openly about issues that are affecting us. It's time to change that narrative.'

The event concluded with a call to action, encouraging attendees to take the conversations started at the screening back to their families and communities.

The screening of 'I Too Crave Death' was a poignant reminder that mental health and family dynamics are critical issues that require our attention and action.