The cast and crew of Breaking Out, a two-part project comprising a short film and documentary, say the production aims to spark conversations around acne, self-worth, and representation. Premiering at a private screening on May 31, the project follows Temi, a gifted acting student navigating an industry where her acne is judged before her talent.
At the heart of the project, director Precious Okpala explains that the idea originated with executive producer Sola Osonuga, who has lived with acne and initially envisioned a documentary exploring its emotional impact.
“Breaking Out began as a conversation,” Okpala says. “The Executive Producer, Sola Osonuga, is an acne warrior herself and initially approached me with the idea of creating a documentary that explored the experiences of people living with acne and the emotional impact it can have on their lives.”
As the idea developed, the team expanded the concept beyond documentary form into a hybrid project, blending real-life experiences with a fictional narrative. For Okpala, this shift also deepened what he believes film can do in shaping understanding and emotional connection.
That intention carries through to the film’s message, which he says is rooted in self-acceptance and visibility. Rather than focusing only on acne, he explains that the story pushes audiences to reflect on how insecurities shape perception and confidence.
“While the film centres on acne trauma, it is ultimately about visibility, self-worth and the courage to show up regardless of insecurities or judgment,” he says.
The short film features Omosalewa Fafowora, Ejirooghene “Ejiro” Asagba, Nonso Ezemezie, and Treasure Enagbare. To prepare for her role as Temi, Fafowora says she engaged directly with Osonuga and others who had experienced acne, a process that reshaped her understanding of the subject. “I’m grateful to have had Sola talk with me and share her experiences before we filmed,” she says. “Listening to Sola and my friends gave me a completely different perspective because it was much closer to home.”
That experience, she adds, went beyond performance, influencing how she now sees confidence and self-image in her own life.“I was convinced that I should and can be more confident in myself. No one can talk me down, no one can intimidate me, not even my fears.”
Similarly, Asagba, who plays Ofure, says she was drawn to the project because of her personal connection to the subject matter.“The film as a whole, I took personally because of my own experiences with acne,” she says. “I was so determined to be a part of telling this story.”
She adds that beyond personal resonance, the film also reflects a broader reality about how appearance shapes perception, especially within the entertainment industry.“As much as we’d want to dismiss it, the entertainment industry is really dependent on looks,” she says. “This film truly makes you look inward.”
Looking ahead, the team says Breaking Out will continue its run on the festival circuit, with plans for wider distribution and educational screenings.
