Xandy Kamel tackles body shaming in new film, Unseen Beauty

GHANAIAN actress and filmmaker, Xandy Kamel has featured Nigerian actors, Uju Okoli and Ray Adeka in her latest film, Unseen Beauty, shedding light on internet bullying and body shaming of plus-sized women.

The film, which is currently streaming on YouTube with over 30,000 views, draws from Kamel’s own experiences with cyberbullying and the silent emotional battles she has fought behind the scenes.

Xandy drew inspiration for Unseen Beauty from the intense backlash and hurtful comments she received about her weight on social media.

She highlighted that body size is often misunderstood, and can be linked to underlying health issues or emotional challenges, rather than just overeating.

 “I’ve lived this reality, being mocked, judged, and belittled just because of how I look. People assume that being plus-sized means you lack discipline or you’re lazy or you overeat. But that’s not always the case. 

“There are so many young women silently struggling with conditions they can’t even talk about, and yet every time they post a photo or step outside, they are ridiculed. I want to tell a story that reflects that pain, but also the resilience and worth of every woman,” she said. 

Xandy told Graphic Showbiz that she deliberately chose Uju Okoli and Ray Adeka for “Unseen Beaut", driven by both artistic vision and strategic thinking. 

Uju Okoli, a seasoned Nollywood actress and producer with over 100 films under her belt, brings depth to the project. 

“Uju has this rare ability to connect emotionally with a role, and I just knew she could bring my vision to life,” she stated.

 “As for Ray, he brought depth and relatability to his role. But beyond their talent, working with Nigerian actors is a way of opening the doors for the film to reach a wider African audience. 

“I want this message to go beyond Ghana, it’s a story every woman on the continent can relate to,” she stated. 

Xandy hopes Unseen Beauty will not only entertain but educate viewers on the importance of compassion and awareness in the digital age. 

“I want people to understand that words can break a person down. We say things online we wouldn’t dare say face to face. I’ve cried myself to sleep on some days because of the things I read. This film is me fighting back—but with art.”