Cancer teens turn filmmakers at Addenbrooke’s |
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Teenage cancer patients at Addenbrooke’s Hospital have been making films to express and share their feelings about their experiences in hospital and fill some of the many hours spent there. The project, part of the Addenbrookes Arts programme, has enabled patients to learn and develop skills in film making and animation that they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to access. A professional team of filmmakers, producers, web designers and script editors are on hand to help patients make their films. “Young people can choose whether to make documentary films about their journey through cancer or to create fictional films or a script that can be acted by other people,” said Claire Pope, Addenbrooke’s art curator and project manager.
“The project relieves boredom but also allows these young people to take some control,” she continued. “By taking part in this project the filmmakers are helping other young people who are going through the same things as them. They could feel isolated, but this project brings them together as well as giving them something to look forward to each day.” Films from patients are uploaded onto a special website, which has recently appeared in the Times newspaper ‘top three’ for teenage health websites. Patients can also contribute animation or blogs. Young people can also use the website to chat to each other and access useful information. Alice Bullock, aged 16, from Beyton near Bury St Edmunds, said: “It’s given me something to focus on and take my mind off being in hospital. It’s a way to express how you’re feeling - I found that hard before. It’s definitely something I’d be interesting in doing as a career.” The work will form part of a DVD entitled ‘The
Teenager’s Survival Guide to Cancer Treatment’ which
will be given to newly-diagnosed young people.
Notes to editors
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