Geneva/Copenhagen, 6 June 

Films from France, Germany, Israel and Sweden – 4 of WHO/Europe’s 53 Member States – function among the many winners of the worldwide 2023 WHO Health for All Film Festival (HAFF).

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accepted the suggestions from the competition’s jury and introduced the winners at the moment.

More than 780 brief movie entries had been obtained, with some 93 shortlisted for the 4th version of HAFF, showcasing vital well being matters starting from emergencies and psychological well being to sexual and reproductive well being and local weather change. 

“Films possess a unique ability to address health issues – including mental health – making them personal and all the more relevant to individuals and communities,” mentioned Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “By connecting with audiences on an emotional level, destigmatizing and humanizing mental health experiences, and fostering conversations, films can challenge perceptions and contribute to a more empathetic and supportive society. The power of film can be harnessed to create positive change, bringing people together, reminding them of their shared experiences, building empathy and crucially, inspiring action. This ultimately contributes to better health for all.”

Strong concentrate on psychological well being amongst European contributions

“This year, there was an extreme lean in these documentaries towards mental health”, mentioned Sharon Stone, HAFF 2023 Juror, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress, producer, and activist for well being and humanitarian causes. “One in 8 people in the world is living with a mental health condition. We’ve experienced a crisis together as a world. We have to look at how powerful movies can raise awareness about mental health conditions which are increasing around the world, according to WHO.” 

In her first brief movie I’m bare (Je suis nue), Alexandra Mignien of France encompasses a younger girl whose boyfriend has posted nude pictures of her on-line. As a end result, the girl walks round and carries out her day by day actions fully bare, depicting the devastating feeling of whole publicity described by victims of revenge porn and on-line harassment.

The German brief movie Gasping for Life, directed by Su Hyun Hong, shines a highlight on melancholy, evaluating your self to others, and stress from on-line channels corresponding to social media platforms – closely resonating with the challenges individuals face at the moment, significantly younger individuals who spend a lot of their time on-line.

The Swedish winner of the Very Short Film Prize additionally highlights psychological well being. The highly effective Mirrors, produced by Paul Jerndal, delves into the depths of self-criticism and introspection, with Swedish celeb contributors Anis don Demina, Cecilia von der Esch and Danny Saucedo, who encounter their mirror pictures and confront their darkest ideas and insecurities. 

“Through the medium of film, we have the power to illuminate the complexities of mental health conditions, initiate meaningful conversations, and contribute to destigmatizing the challenges faced by countless individuals. Films and other artistic expressions can serve as catalysts for dialogue and genuine support, truly breaking down barriers. Accepting this esteemed award is a tremendous honour, but above all, my hope is that it further amplifies the importance of mental health, reminding people that they are not alone in their struggles with negative thoughts,” says Jerndal.

The winner of the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights class, Dina Stescovich of Israel with the movie Vulvo and Dynia, depicts a younger girl’s inner monologue as she continues to expertise ache throughout intercourse – together with a sense of fixed failure and “not being like everyone else”.

The Freedom to breathe: a toddler’s proper to breathe clear air entry from the United Kingdom, directed by Georgette Thomas, obtained a particular point out within the Climate Change and Health class, showcasing the specter of air air pollution and the best of youngsters to scrub air.

For the fourth consecutive 12 months, WHO’s world Health for All Film Festival obtained tons of of submissions from all around the world, competing within the Universal Health Coverage, Health Emergencies, Better Health and Well-being, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Climate Change and Health, and Very Short Film classes.

LIST OF AWARD WINNERS

Universal Health Coverage Grand Prix
 “Jonathan’s Miracle Feet” – Sierra Leone / Disability, clubfoot
Directed by Mamihasina Raminosoa and Nantenaina Rakotondranivo from Madagascar for the NGO Miracle Feet / Documentary – Duration: 3’19’’

Health Emergencies Grand Prix 
“Nurses facing COVID / Na Linha de Frente” – Brazil / COVID-19 and entry to care
Directed by Klimt Publicidade and Conselho Federal de Enfermagem from Brazil / Documentary – Duration: 8’

Better Health and Well-being Grand Prix 
“One in 36 million: Story of childhood lead poisoning in Bangladesh” – Bangladesh / Environmental well being
Directed by Mitali Das and Arifur Rahman (Bangladesh) for the NGO Pure Earth Bangladesh /
Documentary – Duration: 6’32”

Climate Change and Health Special Prize
“When climate change turns violent” – Global / Gender-based violence and local weather change
Directed by Vandita Sariya (India) / Documentary – Duration: 4’32”

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Special Prize
“Vulvo and Dynia” – Israel / Vulvodynia
Directed by Dina Stescovich (Israel) / Fiction – Duration: 4’13”

Student Film Prize
“Gasping for life” – Germany / Mental well being, screens dependancy, anxiousness, melancholy
Directed by Su Hyun Hong (Germany) / Animation – Duration: 8’

Very Short Film Special Prize
“Mirrors” – Sweden / Mental well being, melancholy
Directed by Paul Jerndal (Sweden) / Fiction – Duration: 3’

SPECIAL MENTION FROM THE JURY

Health Emergencies Special Mention
“My roots: Mayas during COVID-19” – Guatemala / COVID-19
Directed by Ángela Lucrecia Chiquin (Guatemala) / Documentary – Duration: 3’11”

Better Health and Well-being Special Mention
“Love Shades” – Sweden / Mental well being, melancholy and empathy
Produced and directed by Stephanie Stan (United States of America) and Pratick Paudel (Nepal) / Fiction – Duration: 5’51”

Climate Change and Health Special Mention 
“Freedom to breathe: a child’s right to breathe clean air” – Global / Asthma and air air pollution Directed by Georgette
Thomas (United Kingdom) / Documentary – Duration; 5’39”

Very Short Films Special Mention
“I am naked / Je suis nue” – France / Violation of privateness; Mental well being; Emotional violence towards girls
Directed by Alexandra Mignien (France) / Fiction – Duration: 2’20”