'Beautiful People' Wins Public Health PSA Contest

(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.

Judges

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.

• View all of the entries

For more information on the film festival and screenings, visit www.sph.umn.edu/film or send an e-mail to film@umn.edu.