Geneva/Copenhagen, 6 June
Films from France, Germany, Israel, Sweden and the United Kingdom – five of WHO/Europe’s 53 Member States – feature among the winners of the global 2023 WHO Health for All Film Festival (HAFF).
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus approved the recommendations from the festival’s jury and announced the winners today.
More than 780 short film entries were received, with some 93 shortlisted for the 4th edition of HAFF, showcasing critical health topics ranging from emergencies and mental health to sexual and reproductive health and climate 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,” said 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 focus on mental health among European contributions
“This year, there was an extreme lean in these documentaries towards mental health”, said Sharon Stone, HAFF 2023 Juror, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress, producer, and activist for health 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 short film I am naked (Je suis nue), Alexandra Mignien of France features a young woman whose boyfriend has posted nude images of her online. As a result, the woman walks around and carries out her daily activities completely naked, depicting the devastating feeling of total exposure described by victims of revenge porn and online harassment.
The German short film Gasping for Life, directed by Su Hyun Hong, shines a spotlight on depression, comparing yourself to others, and pressure from online channels such as social media platforms – heavily resonating with the challenges people face today, particularly young people who spend so much of their time online.
The Swedish winner of the Very Short Film Prize also highlights mental health. The powerful Mirrors, produced by Paul Jerndal, delves into the depths of self-criticism and introspection, with Swedish celebrity contributors Anis don Demina, Cecilia von der Esch and Danny Saucedo, who encounter their mirror images and confront their darkest thoughts 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 category, Dina Stescovich of Israel with the film Vulvo and Dynia, depicts a young woman’s internal monologue as she continues to experience pain during intercourse – along with a feeling of constant failure and “not being like everyone else”.
The Freedom to breathe: a child’s right to breathe clean air entry from the United Kingdom, directed by Georgette Thomas, received a special mention in the Climate Change and Health category, showcasing the threat of air pollution and the right of children to clean air.
For the fourth consecutive year, WHO’s global Health for All Film Festival received hundreds of submissions from all over the world, competing in 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 categories.
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 access 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 health
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 climate 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 health, screens addiction, anxiety, depression
Directed by Su Hyun Hong (Germany) / Animation – Duration: 8’
Very Short Film Special Prize
“Mirrors” – Sweden / Mental health, depression
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 health, depression 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 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 privacy; Mental health; Emotional violence against women
Directed by Alexandra Mignien (France) / Fiction – Duration: 2’20”
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This article was amended on 07 June 2023 because an earlier version omitted the inclusion of the United Kingdom.