Documentary Australia Foundation

"Seventeen Balloons..." An Educational Film for families on how to cope when a child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes

About the film

When a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes it can be a traumatic time for the child and those around him. Yet many children with type 1 diabetes grow up to lead productive, healthy and happy lives. This doucmentary-style film will feature three families who have had a child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. These families will have been chosen for having successfully dealt with the transitition to leading a life with a child with diabetes. They will tell their stories.

Funding amount Sought

75250

Total Project Budget

AUD $80250

Length of Production

20 minutes

Stage of Production

Development

How does the project meet the aims of a philanthropic foundation?

Many philanthropic trusts encourage better understanding of health issues.
When a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, hospitals will exlpain exactly how to manage this condition with insulin, diet and exercise.
This film will complement this medical information with advice and suggestions about coping with the emotional and psychological needs of the child and the family. This film can be watched by the child and his or her immediate and extended family, their friends and their schools so that everyone affected by this diagnosis has better coping skills.
This film will be made with Diabetes Australia - a respected organisation with offices throughout Australia.

What outcomes do you hope to achieve by making this film and how will you measure its impact?

This film will help provide successful strategies for families with a newly diagnosed child, to make the transition to managing a family life with a child with type 1 diabetes. This will make the life easier for the child and his or her family and friends.
Diabetes Australia will undertake a full evaluation program. A survey will be sent out to families who have watched the DVD. The results will be collated and a full report written.

What is your education and outreach strategy

When a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, he or she is registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme. Once the registration has been completed, this family will be sent a copy of the DVD together with other educational material.
The film will be uploaded onto DIabetes Australia (DA) websites throughout Australia.
Publicity about the film will be made throughout the mainstream media as well as publications produced by DA.

Who are the filmmakers responsible for the project?

The filmakers are HC Productions Pty Ltd.
HC Productions is a film production company specializing in high quality educational and training films, especially in the health sector. The philosophy of the company is to produce films that effectively and clearly communicate information to the intended audience.

HC Productions has been providing a complete package – from research and writing to direction and post-production – for over 20 years.

The company’s client base has been in the government and non-government sector – including clients such as Diabetes Australia and Nutrition Australia.

HC Productions’ vision is to produce educational and training films which are made with great care and sensitivity to assist clients in explaining complex issues in a straightforward and engaging way, thus delivering a clear understanding of the topic to the target audience.
HC Productions has an established track record with Diabetes Australia and has already produced three high-quality and enduring films for DA.
These include:
"Having a Health Pregnancy" - two films, one for women with type 1 diabetes and one for those with type 2, on pregnancy and diabetes.
"Diabetes Basics" - for teachers, to help them understand how to support students to manage their condition during the school day.