OPEN Health supports Genetic Alliance’s Rare Film Festival!

Last night OPEN Health joined a number of rare disease patients, patient groups and industry representatives at the Regent Street cinema in London to see the winners announced at the Rare Film Festival – an awards ceremony that celebrates and showcases films that raise awareness of rare disease.

OPEN Health was delighted to have the opportunity to support this event in a number of ways. Gavin Jones, Director of Rare Disease at OPEN Health, was asked to judge the awards. Commenting on the entries, Gavin says: ‘There were so many brilliant and moving films that the judging was tough but definitely rewarding and inspiring. The winners added creativity and personal stories to enable the viewer to convey their message effectively. Given that there are over 7000 rare diseases it is important that patients and charities share their stories with impact to raise awareness of their disease, ongoing research, access to treatments and their initiatives to support patients’.

OPEN Health also sponsored an awards category – Best Aspiring Film Maker-Charity Collaboration, offering a prize of a ‘communications clinic’ with the winning patient group and a number of free days of communications support. Vicky Bramham, MD of the our PR agency, was very happy to offer help: ‘We are delighted to be supporting the Rare Film Festival and the team is excited at the prospect of working with the winner of the Best Aspiring Film Maker-Charity Collaboration category to enhance their communications activities. Together we can ensure their story is told and in turn more support garnered for their organisation and patients living with the disease.’

A link to the ‘Best Aspiring Film Maker-Charity Collaboration’ can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A1adCj-cvo

A link to the overall ‘Best Film’ winner can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_y4jBUPm80