Following the news of Nollywood actor Godwin Nnadiekwe's hospitalization after sustaining internal bleeding from an on-set kick by colleague Zubby Michael, Ghanaian actor Van Vicker has added his voice to the growing call for better safety standards in African film productions. In a heartfelt Facebook post on Monday, 26, 2025, the renowned thespian described the incident as "extremely disquieting," while emphasizing the urgent need for structured rehearsals and proper safety protocols-especially in film settings that lack insurance, body doubles, stunt actors, and protective rigging."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," he began.
While acknowledging that the act may not have been intentional, Vicker stressed that any scene involving physical contact should never be left to chance. "I personally, consistently insist that outraged scenes that have potential contact or actual contact with another actor or actors should be rehearsed, especially in our film setting where there is no insurance, no body doubles, no stunt actors and where more often than not real props are used (knife, etc)," he explained.
He admitted that some filmmakers argue against rehearsals to preserve spontaneity and authenticity, but believes safety must come first. "I have a reserved concurrence," he said, "What's the fate of the actor in situations where there is zero rigging to protect the actor in perilous moments?"Van Vicker further highlighted the importance of planning and rehearsing violent or action scenes, stating that genuine acting comes from knowing what to expect, following direction, and still making the scene look real. "I believe that great acting is one where you know what to expect, because you have read the script, you have been given directives by the director, etc and yet you make it all believable." Read Also: Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe Suffers Internal Bleeding Following On-Set Kick from Colleague Zubby Michael He further stressed that when rehearsals are done, and safety measures are in place, the responsibility falls off the shoulders of producers-showing they were not negligent."This incident should not be taken casually," he warned. "It should be highlighted deliberately by industry players, the fourth estate and well-meaning film lovers as a red flag… measures [must] be put in place to ensure such adversities don't get repeated." Van Vicker concluded by asserting that the future of African cinema isn't just dependent on technical quality or performances, but also on the health and safety of those who bring stories to life. "Our industry growth is not reliant on quality sound, acting and pictures alone.
The well-being of the actors is coterminous with such advancements." "Long live African films.
