All About the Numbers’ spotlights workplace burnout, mental well-being

Nigerian actor, author and brand strategist Keren Uzo says her short film, All About the Numbers, is helping to spark conversations about workplace burnout, toxic work culture and the need for healthier working environments.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Uzo said the film’s final screening in Lagos brought together professionals, creatives, mental health advocates and human resources leaders to examine the emotional toll of workplace pressure and the importance of prioritising mental well-being.

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According to her, the event, held in partnership with the Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), was designed to go beyond entertainment by encouraging audiences to confront often-overlooked workplace challenges.

She said the post-screening discussions focused on emotional self-awareness, healthy boundaries, access to professional support and the responsibility of organisations to foster psychologically safe workplaces.

“We have become more comfortable talking about mental health, but we do not always talk about what comes next,” Uzo said.

“Awareness is important, but healing also requires action.

“We must normalise not only the conversation but also the solutions.”

Uzo said the film encouraged both employees and employers to reflect on the human cost of work cultures driven primarily by targets and performance metrics, while promoting practical strategies for improving mental well-being.

The filmmaker described All About the Numbers as her debut production, noting that it draws on nearly a decade of experience at the intersection of storytelling, branding and social impact.

She added that her work with founders and organisations on authentic storytelling and strategic communications inspired her to use film as another platform for addressing pressing social issues.

Uzo, who is also the author of How To Be Single, said her work across film, literature, marketing and advocacy is driven by a commitment to using storytelling to promote conversations around mental health, workplace culture and broader societal issues.

She added that the positive reception to the screening has strengthened plans to use film, dialogue and community engagement to drive social change while creating opportunities for collaboration with brands, institutions and global partners committed to social impact.