Note to Correspondents

Fifth Annual Envision Conference to Focus on ‘Stories of the Global Health Challenge’

 

The annual Envision documentary film screening and discussion forum is scheduled for 10 and 11 April in New York.  The opening night of “Envision 2013: Stories of the Global Health Challenge” features the 2013 Sundance Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award-winning documentary Blood Brother and is followed on Thursday by the 2013 Academy Award-nominated short films Open Heart and Kings Point.

Now in its fifth year, Envision is a partnership between the United Nations Department of Public Information and the Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP), and is anchored by the Millennium Development Goals.  The forum connects United Nations experts, non-governmental organization advocates and some of the most creative minds in filmmaking and new media, with the goal of finding fresh, compelling ways to create momentum for social change.  The gatherings offer a unique opportunity for filmmakers and social change activists to forge partnerships to promote mutual causes and reach wider audiences.

This year, Envision will focus on health and on developing a better global future with opportunity for all, building on three key issues: reversing the spread of disease, improving maternal health and shaping society’s approach to aging.

Highlights of the event include opening night remarks by United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal and Joana Vicente, Executive Director of the Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP).  The screening of Blood Brother will be followed by Q&A with its director Steve Hoover, whose film tells a tough and endearing tale of his disillusioned friend finding joy and heartache with the children living in an Indian AIDS orphanage.

In addition, on Thursday, Envision hosts a full day of inspiring discussion panels, interactive activities and story telling from different United Nations and non-governmental organization experts.

“Documentary filmmakers play a crucial role in pushing health-related issues to the forefront of the global agenda,” said Mr. Launsky-Tieffenthal.  “Our opening night film — Blood Brother — clearly demonstrates the ability of non-fiction filmmaking to influence a wide audience and move the needle on pressing social issues,” he added.  “Envision is a laboratory for creatives, experts and activists to formulate insightful and entertaining films that inspire action.”

For full programme: www.envisionfilm.org.

For further information, contact Jon Herbertsson, Manager, Creative Community Outreach Initiative, United Nations Department of Public Information, e‑mail: herbertsson@un.org, tel: +1 212 963 7346.

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For information media • not an official record