A documentary titled ‘When Climate Change Turns Violent’ has garnered significant recognition at the 4th Annual Health for All Film Festival, held at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva. The film, directed by Vandita Saharia from Rajasthan, received a special prize in the ‘Health for All’ category. Notably, Vandita Saharia was the sole Indian among the winners, marking a significant achievement for the country’s film industry.
Festival Highlights
The festival attracted the presence of notable actors, producers, public figures, and participants from around the world, both in person and online. The event witnessed the announcement of winning films across seven different categories, with an additional four films receiving special mentions from the jury. A distinguished panel comprising renowned professionals, artists, and activists, including Sharon Stone, Alfonso Herrera, Sherrie Silver, Sophia Kianni, and Adelle Onyango, along with senior United Nations officials and WHO staff, served as judges for the films.
List of Awarded Films
- UHC “Grand Prix”: “Jonathan’s Miracle Feet” – Sierra Leone / Disability, clubfoot
Directed by Mamihasina Raminosoa and Nantenaina Rakotondranivo from Madagascar on behalf of the NGO Miracle Feet. The documentary showcases the journey of a child with clubfoot in Sierra Leone. Duration: 3’19” - Health Emergencies “Grand Prix”: “Nurses facing Covid / Na Lihna de Frente” – Brazil / COVID-19 and access to care
Directed by Klimt Publicidade and the institution Conselho Federal de Enfermagem – Cofen – from Brazil. This documentary sheds light on the challenges faced by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Duration: 8′ - Better Health and Well-being “Grand Prix”: “One in 36 Million: Story of Childhood Lead Poisoning in Bangladesh” – Environmental health
Directed by Mitali Das and Arifur Rahman from Bangladesh for the NGO Pure Earth Bangladesh. The film uncovers the issue of childhood lead poisoning in Bangladesh. Duration: 6’32” - Special Prize Climate Change and Health Film: “When climate change turns violent” – Global / Gender-based violence and climate change
Directed by Vandita Saharia from India. This documentary explores the connection between climate change and gender-based violence. Duration: 4’32” - Special Prize Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Film: “Vulvo and Dynia” – Israel / Vulvodynia
Directed by Dina Stescovich from Israel. This fictional film delves into the subject of vulvodynia, focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Duration: 4’13” - Student Film Prize: “Gasping for life” – Germany / Mental health, screens addiction, anxiety, depression
Directed by Su Hyun Hong from Germany. An animated film that addresses mental health issues, including screen addiction, anxiety, and depression. Duration: 8′ - Special Prize Very Short Film: “Mirrors” – Sweden / Mental health, depression
Directed by Paul Jerndal from Sweden. This fictional film explores themes of mental health, particularly depression.
Conclusion
The 4th Annual Health for All Film Festival held at the WHO headquarters in Geneva celebrated exceptional films that shed light on various health-related topics. Vandita Saharia’s documentary ‘When Climate Change Turns Violent’ received the special prize in the ‘Health for All’ category, affirming the film’s powerful exploration of the intersection between climate change and gender-based violence. The festival served as a platform to raise awareness about critical global health issues and recognize talented filmmakers from diverse backgrounds.
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