Brussels, 14 Jun 2006
A film made by scientists working in an EU-funded research programme beat off strong competition from European broadcasters to take top honours at a science media festival in Tromsø, Norway, last week. Scientists from EuroStemCell, a European stem cell research consortium, produced the short documentary “A Stem Cell Story” in collaboration with Edinburgh-based filmmakers.
The international jury was impressed by director Cameron Duguid’s hand-drawn animations, and cited the film’s clarity and scientific accuracy as important factors in reaching their decision. Tromsø contest judges liked the way pupils and teachers were involved in shaping the film – early cuts were screened to high school biology classes, and their feedback helped determine the final version.
The film is accessible to non-specialist audiences, and has already proved popular with teachers and patient organisations looking to kickstart lessons and discussions about stem cell research. It’s 15 minutes long, is available on DVD in six European languages, and can be ordered online from www.eurostemcell.org.