Episode #35 - Ayesha Scott and Segilola Ogidan | ABSENT dad: The Motion Picture

Ayesha Scott (Director) and Segilola Ogidan (Producer) are currently working together on an emotional drama called ABSENT, which showcases the struggles and long-term effects of absent fathers on single mothers and the trials and tribulations faced. “Nothing is weaker than a man who hurts his child or children by his actions and words.” Ayesha and Segilola were asked what the motivation was for this film. Ayesha says after she had her second son and the son’s father abandoned his responsibilities to his son that is when she realized what being a single mom really was. “It was really difficult; it was a massive struggle. I wanted to bring this subject matter to the forefront of main stream media.” Segilola says most of the screenwriting in the industry is done by men and they wanted it to be addressed women, using their own stories and experiences. “I am sick and tired of this stigma that is surrounding the angry black woman. A lot of people don’t give black women the opportunity to explain or to tell their story, they just have a five minute chat with them and then make up their own idea about why they are angry.” Segilola says it is the responsibility of African American women to change the stigma they face in parenting roles. “It’s down to us to tell our stories and I know there are already situations in place to squash that, to stop or discourage us from telling our stories but we have got to fight through those barriers. Nothing is impossible.” “We can influence people; we can influence the world if we work together.” When asked what they hope fathers can take away from this movie, Ayesha said she wants fathers to understand the struggle and hardship that single mothers have to go through when the fathers become absent. “…also the financial burden and the emotional and physical strain of raising a child where essentially it’s something that God has intended two people to do.” She says where most cases it is ‘out of sight, out of mind’ maybe this film will help some dads really see the struggle. Segilola says her hope is for absent fathers to realize this is not the normal. “It takes two to make the babies so it takes two people to be responsible for that life.” Segilola says the biggest struggles while still shooting the film is raising funds and getting financed. She says the obstacles around finance are because they are two black women and the financers want an action or horror movies, not dramas. They believe women and mothers can encourage men to break the cycle and be there for their children. “Moms need to encourage men to be involved in every aspect of their children’s lives and their upbringing; why not get them involved in their health and well being and schooling.” Women should put away their anger and bitterness. They say it’s difficult when you go through certain situations, but sometimes it is a two ways street. INTERVIEW LINKS: www.AbsentMovieUK.com www.ascottproductions.com www.OKPProductions.com