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Posted by: The Sumaira Foundation in News & Announcements
April 7, 2023 — The Sumaira Foundation’s (TSF) first original short film NMO, Bonjour! has been selected into the official final shortlist at the World Health Organization’s 4th Health for All Film Festival, 2023.
This year, nearly 800 filmmakers from 106 countries submitted short films in six categories, on themes including the health impacts of the climate crisis, COVID-19, mental health, malaria, disability, and more.
NMO, Bonjour! is one of 90 shortlisted films and will be featured under the “Better Health and Wellbeing” category.
Speaking about this achievement, TSF Founder (and NMO patient herself) Sumaira Ahmed says “This has been one of the most important and moving projects of my entire life. Stories like Bérengère’s are vital to share with the world, yet rarely do they receive the care and quality they deserve to truly resonate. Our aspiration is to tell these stories – both visually and from a storytelling perspective – with a lot of beauty, respect, dignity and love. Bérengère is a true hero.”
NMO, Bonjour! follows the story of a young mother living with NMO in France, who shows us that even while navigating the all-too-real debilitating impacts the disease can have on daily activities, mental health, and family interactions, there are everyday moments to be grabbed and enjoyed.
Shortlisted films will be reviewed by a jury of international artists, development leaders, acclaimed film industry professionals, and humanitarian activists. The judging panel includes celebrated names like Adelle Onyango, Alfonso Herrera, Angélique Kidjo, Sharon Stone, Emilia Clarke, Wagner Moura, Richard Curtis, Mia Maestro, Ricky Kej, Eugenio Derbez.
TSF invites its followers and friends to watch the film at the link below. Comments can be posted on social media using the hashtag #Film4Health before the 5th of June 2023. Some comments from the public will be featured during the HAFF virtual Awards Ceremony in early June.
