U of M School of Public Health Announces Winners of Annual Public Health Film-Making Competition

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (April 5, 2007) -- The University of Minnesota School of Public Health is pleased to announce the winners of the “It’s Global” film-making competition.  The contest is a part of the National Public Health Week Film Festival held in Minneapolis, Minn., April 2-6.

By entering the contest, film-makers had an opportunity to showcase their work and make a statement on global public health topics such as smoking, HIV/AIDS, suicide, organ donation, and other topics. Entrants got to test their talent as they described a public health problem, identified a potential solution, and presented a clear call to action – in 30 seconds or less.

First place winner:

• “Beautiful People" 2003 - Kangaroo Project, Minneapolis
  A group of film and television mentors and students at the Kangaroo Project created a film encouraging people to check “yes” for organ donation on their driver’s licenses.

Second place winners (tie):

• "How Many This Year" - Gabriel Cheifetz/612 Authentic Media, Minneapolis
  This film addresses youth violence in Minneapolis and asks “how many gallons of innocent blood will be shed?”
• "I Love You" - Kelsey Linden, Delano High School
  Linden brings teen suicide and family intervention to the forefront in this film.

Third place winners (tie):

• "Student Security" 2004 - Kangaroo Project, Minneapolis
  Produced by a second group of film makers at the Kangaroo Project, the film sends the message that HIV and AIDS are still a threat and teens have the power to protect themselves.
• "Stop the Spread" - Chris Nelson, Delano High School
  In this film, Nelson encourages teens to use protection and help stop the spread of HIV.

All entries will be screened at the National Public Health Week Film Festival.  Winners will be recognized the evening of Thursday, April 5.

The National Public Health Week Film Festival panel of judges include:

• Ali Selim - directed commercials for over 20 years and is the director of Sweet Land, which won Best First Feature at the Independent Spirit Awards.
• Joseph Kim, Ph.D. - lecturer in epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
• Ellen Benavides, M.P.H. - directed the political advocacy film Minnesota Confidential about minors’ access to health services.

The film-making contest was sponsored by University of Minnesota School of Public Health and the University of Minnesota Center for Public Health Preparedness in partnership with Independent Feature Project Minnesota.

To view all entries and for more information on the film festival and screenings, visit the School of Public Health website at http://www.sph.umn.edu/ or send an email to film@umn.edu.

For more than 60 years, the University of Minnesota School of Public Health has been among the top accredited schools of public health in the nation.  With a mission focused on research, teaching, and service, the school attracts nearly $70 million in sponsored research each year, has more than 100 faculty members and nearly 1,200 students, and is engaged in community outreach activities locally, nationally and in dozens of countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.sph.umn.edu. The School’s Centers for Public Health Education and Outreach promotes lifelong learning to bridge academic and public health practice communities.

The Academic Health Center is home to the University of Minnesota’s six health professional schools and colleges as well as several health-related centers and institutes. Founded in 1851, the University is one of the oldest and largest land grant institutions in the country. The AHC prepares the new health professionals who improve the health of communities, discover and deliver new treatments and cures, and strengthen the health economy.

Contact: Diana Harvey, School of Public Health, 612-625-7134
Toya Stewart, School of Public Health, 612-625-3218
Liz Wulderk, Academic Health Center, 612.624.5680