PHA media award winning film helps launch Belfast Pride 2011

An award-winning public health information film, Closet Full of Lies, gets its premiere at the launch of this year’s Belfast Pride in the Europa Hotel on 23 July. The short film, produced by young Derry man Shay O’Donnell, gives a glimpse into the life of a man struggling with issues related to his sexuality.

Closet Full of Lies won 1st prize for ‘Best Moving Image’ in the Public Health Agency (PHA) Western Investing for Health (WIFH) Partnership Student Media Awards, held in the North West Regional College last March.

Talking about his film, Shay O’Donnell said: “I am really delighted that Belfast Pride wants to show my film this year. Closet Full of Lies shows the importance of dealing with issues that can really damage self esteem and mental health, something that must have also appealed to the judges back in March.

“I hope to have a career in media, so this is a great start, it’s a fantastic way to get my work seen by a wide audience and I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”

Explaining the importance of this work, Brendan Bonner, PHA Head of Health and Social Wellbeing (Western area), said: “Working in partnership and supporting this year’s Pride event is part of the PHA’s ongoing efforts help address the health inequalities experienced by LGB&T people across Northern Ireland.

“I am really pleased that the work we have been doing with young media students in the west has been brought to Belfast and shared with the audience at Belfast Pride. The purpose of the Public Health Media Awards is to encourage potential young journalists and media students to take a public health issue and develop a product that promotes a better understanding around the core issue. Closet Full of Lies was outstanding in its category both in terms of the content and production value. It dealt with a major issue facing many young people but also highlighted the importance of looking after your emotional wellbeing and addressing issues that affect not only your own life but those around you.”

Closet Full of Lies will be shown in the Europa hotel as part of the launch of Belfast Pride 2011, 23 July at 8pm. For further information on health and social wellbeing improvement, click here.