A new independent film that highlights the daily hardships of coping with type 1 diabetes was shown to supporters of Diabetes UK last week.
The charity group held an exclusive screening of the award-winning film, Broke, for a small number of its supporters as part of a fundraising event.
The film, which was introduced by the director Rufus Norris, is a coming of age tale about an 11-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes. Her condition is highlighted at various points throughout the film to show the effects daily life and stress can have on a child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
“We are really pleased to have been given such the opportunity to provide a few of our supporters with the opportunity to see Broken before it is released,” said Libby Dowling, Diabetes UK Clinical Advisor.
“Growing up with Type 1 diabetes can be tough at times, and Broken depicts the affects that everyday life and stress can have on diabetes management . It’s really important to raise awareness of this.
“This is why Diabetes UK has published a guide called the Type 1 essentials for children and young people that sets out the 10 things that every child with Type 1 diabetes needs. If the essentials are in place, then this can help families deal with the everyday stresses that can affect blood glucose levels.”
The film screening was followed by a Q and A session and a discussion about the accuracy of the film and its portrayal of type 1 diabetes with the group’s supporters.
Since premiering at the Cannes Film Festival 2012, Broken has picked up the Golden Eye Award for best international film at the Zurich Film Festival and was also named the Best British Independent Film at The British Independent Film Awards 2012.
The film is out in cinemas now. For more information, visit Facebook.com/Broken.official.uk
