In West Africa, traditional society has no space for people with mental illness and epilepsy. Demons are seen as cause for their diseases which are wrongly considered contagious. They live on the outskirts of the villages, in prayer centers, or wander around unnoticed, often chained or beaten. Pastor Tankpari Guitanga has decided to help these people and has founded a local aid organization, whose revolutionary work is still just starting. The Demon Disease shows first hand the situation of those affected and the everyday life of those who have decided to help within their modest possibilities. The protagonists stand up courageously against the believes of a whole society to fight for holistic treatment, freedom and dignity.
Documentary, Independent
1h 22min
12 FSK
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In some of West Africa's traditional societies, mental illness and epilepsy are still seen as demonic possession.
In West Africa, traditional society has no space for people with mental illness and epilepsy. Demons are seen as cause for their diseases which are wrongly considered contagious.
They live on the outskirts of the villages, in prayer centers, or wander around unnoticed, often chained or beaten. Pastor Tankpari Guitanga has decided to help these people and has founded a local aid organization, whose revolutionary work is still just starting.
The Demon Disease shows first hand the situation of those affected and the everyday life of those who have decided to help within their modest possibilities. The protagonists stand up courageously against the believes of a whole society to fight for holistic treatment, freedom and dignity.