Images speak louder than words

During the past five years, WDF has produced several short film documentaries to highlight the stories of people living with diabetes in the developing world. One particular film named “Praying for a future”, has become a signature mark of the WDF and has been used extensively in connection with regional diabetes summits, round table debates, the Novo Nordisk shareholder meeting, at several fundraising events and to sensitize the global media.

At the World Media Festival held in Berlin, 2008 the joint WDF and NNIT FilmSolutions production, “Praying for a future”, received international recognition and was presented with two awards, the Gold award, in the category Global Issues and the exclusive "Hand in Hand" award for highlighting actions by a state, government, corporation, organisation or individual resulting in improvements in the lives of individuals or in society as a whole.

The work and film entries are judged on several elements including the creative and technical excellence, and on how well it speaks to its target audience. An international, independent expert international jury judges all entries prior to the festival event. Entries are not judged on budget which allows entries from large or small organisations to share equal opportunities of winning.

Film director and producer, Ms. Tanja Jorgensen recalled the filming experience; “this is the fourth film I have shot and directed for WDF, which has given me the privilege to meet many people suffering from diabetes in the developing countries. I am always amazed how these people, who often find them selves in a difficult situation, burdened with all the problems of the disease and maybe in severe pain, still invite me into their life when I request them to tell their story”, she says.

Mr. Keld von Eyben is the executive producer at NNIT Filmsolutions and worked closely with Ms. Tanja Jorgensen on the production. He elaborates, “It is very important that we always maintain the respect for the people who let our photographer and journalist into their lives. It starts during filming and is maintained all the way during editing of the film. These people live under very difficult conditions and they may even pay the ultimate price. But they understand the value of being helped and they most often see our film productions as a way to have their cry for help to be heard in the world. They have an important story to tell and they know that our camera may let it reach people who have the power to change things.

Ms. Tanja Jorgensen continues: “At a ward in Tanzania we passed dozens of patients. One of them had his leg amputated above the knee. The wound wouldn't heel. In fact his bone was visible once the dressing came off. In the same ward a curious person had seen me walking around with my camera and he waived at me to draw attention, and I approached him. He grabbed my wrist and although he only spoke his local language, I still understood his message; tell people that this is what diabetes does to you; bring this message home with you he said. That person was Mr. Adenani who features in the film. Mr Adenani dies following the amputation of his foot, leaving behind two wives and six children and a very deep impression on all those who see the film”.

A film that makes a difference

“One of the saddest things Mr. Adenani said to me during an interview, was that he knew that he should have taken better care of him self, and now he felt remorse. He could have been helped and guided to understand the seriousness of his disease through simple means of education, and he could have helped other patients living with diabetes by sharing his problems, and found solutions at least to some of the problems that made him end up in the hospital. I was grateful that he agreed to allow me to film the amputation of his leg. Once Mr. Adenani allowed us into the surgery, I had no second thoughts; I knew that we simply had to record on film this severe and devastating consequence of his diabetes. I imagined the viewers of this film would most likely be people who to some extent were knowledgeable about diabetes, but you always have to remind them that you are dealing with real people, with real lives at stake. Statistics show only one part of the truth”, explains Ms. Tanja Jorgensen

“I am immensely proud to contribute to such a noble cause and it is my personal "Take Action Project" to produce the films for WDF. Telling stories of how people in the developing countries are struggling to live with diabetes really opens the eyes of both health care providers, politicians and the media. All with the purpose of helping decision makers realize that they need to do something about it now. It is very gratifying for me to realize that our films can make such a difference. I feel that by showing the film we honour all the people that struggle with diabetes every day, personified in Mr. Adenani, and I hope it can make people who watch it, think of solutions and action. We met Mr. Adenani at the first day out of a five day duration in Dar Es Salaam. Had we entered the same ward a week later, we would have met the same type of patient but with another name.”

“I am sure that Mr. Adenani would find some meaning in his otherwise extremely sad destiny if he could see the film today, and when it is being shown to health care professionals, politicians and ministers of health”, says Mr. Keld von Eyben.
When these people understand that for people living with diabetes in the third world, a small wound of the foot can actually cost them their life, then there is a chance they will start changing the level of diabetes care in their respective countries. We have the deepest respect for Mr. Adenani and his family and from the many screenings in this film. I know that by showing this film we are honouring his request of sharing his story with the global audience”, he concludes.

Dr. Anil Kapur WDF managing director who has used the film extensively in the various presentations he makes says, “In my work in the developing countries, I have seen a lot of misery and have watched this film at least 40 times, but every time towards the end of the film when the voice over says” the next morning before sunrise Mr.Adenani dies leaving behind two wives and six children. Friday in Tanzania, a day like any other in the world of diabetes”, the hairs at the back of my hand stand up and my voice chokes and I feel I must do whatever it takes to convince my audience that real action is needed now to change this dreadful situation.”

Ms. Tanja Jorgensen and Mr. Keld Von Eyben at the World Media Festival, 2008
    
Praying for a future was filmed in three locations, Tanzania, Cameroon and India. It took almost one year to complete the entire production. NNIT Filmsolutions and WDF have produced several award winning film documentaries including the “Unite for Diabetes” film, which received the CINE Golden Eagle Award. A film which have been appreciated and used around the world to garner support for the official World Diabetes Day campaign and to lobby for a UN Resolution on diabetes which was successfully achieved in 2006.

See the film