Reflexión a través de las emociones: El cine y la salud se conjugan en una muestra especial en la Ciudad de México – OPS/OMS

Mexico City, October 26, 2023 (PAHO/WHO).– Film productions that address challenges and reflections related to health are presented this week in Mexico City as part of the “Cinema and Health” Cycle, organized by the Mexican Institute . of Social Security (IMSS) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and inaugurated on October 24 at the magic lantern cinema of the IMSS.

The sample includes 11 short films from countries in the Americas nominated for the “Health for All” Film Festival from the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as productions made by Mexican directors that address health and well-being issues, facilitated through the Mexican Institute of Cinematography (IMCINO).

“Cinema invites us to reflect through emotions. Storytelling is as old as human civilization. It inspires, motivates, creates empathy and helps us find and share solutions together,” said PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa during the inauguration.

“Films help us collect stories about various actions for global health and can encourage behavioral changes by providing the knowledge, motivation or skills necessary for people to take action,” added Barbosa.

The short films in the exhibition address diverse topics, such as the evolution of Alzheimer’s disease in patients in Mexico, the efforts of health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, a historic expedition to bring the smallpox vaccine to the Americas in the 19th century, or the complex challenges people face in the fight against cancer or mental illness.

The screening cycle takes place between October 25 and 27, 2023 at the magic lantern cinemaan emblematic space of the IMSS that began operating in 1964 but reopened its doors in January 2023 after years of closure and a recent remodeling.

“It is a true honor that the first film series of this new stage of Magic Lantern is inaugurated by the Director of PAHO, a multilateral organization prior to even the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the IMSS” said the Director of the IMSS, Zoé Robledo, when referring to the 120 years of creation of the PAHO.

“Let’s continue going to the movies, movies that make us think or reflect,” added Robledo, who stressed the key role that cinema has had in his country to increase awareness and promote transformations in social and health issues.

The film series includes presentations by directors, question and answer sessions with experts, as well as debates in order to facilitate conversations and involve the public in actions for better health.

The cycle meets the objective of the IMSS associated with the reopening of the Linterna Mágica cinema: to broadcast short films, arthouse and cult films, and have film education activities, promoting health through cultural activities.

The cycle is also an opportunity to announce the 5th “Health for All” Film Festival of the WHO, which will open its call for short films on November 1, 2023 until January 31, 2024.

The WHO “Health for All” Film Festival, which has been organized annually since 2020, has received more than 4,300 short films from 110 countries. Its catalog currently offers almost 300 titles that can contribute to improving the health of people around the world.

PAHO and WHO invite public health institutions from around the world, non-governmental organizations, communities, public health activists and students, film schools and other relevant fields to submit their original short films that address a health problem. Independent filmmakers, production companies and television stations are also invited to participate.