Diabetes in school short film competition 2015

Two categories, Best Individual Film and Best Group Film, were judged by a panel made up of Diabetes UK’s former president Richard Lane, actress Elinor Crawley, BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Michael B. Clifford, BBC Digital Producer Jen Grieves, filmmaker Elizabeth Milligan and Diabetes UK’s Clinical Advisor Libby Dowling.

Ten finalists, their friends, families and teachers were invited to the home of the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) to showcase their powerful films. 

The public had their say on the Fan Favourite – the entry with the most ‘likes’ on Diabetes UK’s YouTube channel. Winners received a GoPro camera for themselves, and an iMac and iPad Air for their schools. 

Inspiring 

From documenting a day-in-the-life of a pupil with Type 1 diabetes to takling myths and misconceptions about Type 1, the finalists enchanted the judges with their unique spin on life with diabetes at school. 

“We were looking for something fun, appealing and creative, with a clear message,” said Elinor. “I wasn’t expecting the level of creativity and brilliance that we actually got.” 

Head judge Richard added: “The children all put in so much effort, creativity and imagination. Above all, they showed us the friendship and support they get from all their friends, and that was very, very moving.”  

Powerful 

The power of film is undeniable, and gives young people with Type 1 diabetes the chance to “have their own voice”, said Jen, who has a blog about living with Type 1 – Young, Fun & Type 1.

“That’s the fantastic thing about digital media, everyone has a voice if they want it – you can write a blog in minutes or you can pick up a camera,” she added.

Campaigning 

The film competition has also highlighted the importance of raising awareness of Type 1 diabetes and making sure children are not held back by their condition at school – something which Diabetes UK is working hard to achieve through its Type 1 diabetes: Make the grade campaign. 

“Until the last few years, children with diabetes had very little support in school,” Richard said. “The campaign has brought that situation into perspective – support is absolutely vital.

Elinor added that being on the judging panel has taken her back to her own experiences of school when she was diagnosed 15 years ago. It fell to her parents to come into school to help her test her blood sugar levels and inject insulin, instead of teachers. 

Thalie Martini, Delivery Manager of Type 1 diabetes: Make the grade, said: “Through this competition we’ve seen that life with diabetes isn’t going to stop you, it’s not going to prevent you from having a successful career – and we’ve seen examples from Richard, Elinor, Jen and Elizabeth, who all have Type 1 diabetes. 

“These children have also demonstrated through their films that they can have fulfilling and fun times at school, and diabetes isn’t going to get in the way of that. For me, that’s the biggest success of the competition.”