Films tell York’s health research story at open house today

The old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words will hold true today at an open house taking place at York’s Institute for Health Research. The open house will showcase four short films that highlight the work of health researchers at York.

"Each film is only about three minutes in length. They are provocative, and frankly very beautiful, interpretations of the researchers’ work," said Michaela Hynie, associate dean  York’s Faculty of Health.

The films provide a visual representation of the work of four researchers Geoffrey Reaume, a critical disability studies professor in the School of Health Policy & Management, Faculty of Health; Holly Small, a professor of modern technique and choreography in the Department of Dance, Faculty of Fine Arts; and, researchers Thomas Hawke and Lucy Gagliese from the School of Kinesiology & Health Science in York’s Faculty of Health. The mini-documentaries, produced by 13 graduate film students, represent an interdisciplinary collaboration with the Film Department.

"The mini-documentary project was conceived as a way bring attention, in an innovative way, to the health research being done at York and to showcase the talent of York film students," said Hynie. "The film about Lucy’s work represents the idea that the way a person experiences pain is a product of their lifetime of experiences. The Thomas Hawke film shows the beauty of the muscle cells and the art of scientific research.

"The film about Geoffrey Reaume’s work captures a segment of his Wall Tour of the Queen Street Mental Health Centre. Finally, the Holly Small film explores how dance, and an awareness of the body, is related to health and well-being," said Hynie.

In addition to the films, the open house will showcase YIHR’s new Web site and brochure. A special open house for graduate students will run concurrently with the institute’s open house.

All members of the York community are welcome to attend. The open house takes place today, from 3 to 6pm, in Room 019, in the Health, Nursing & Environmental Studies Building on York’s Keele campus.

Opening remarks will be given by Stan Shapson, York vice-president research & innovation, 4pm. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, visit the new YIHR Web page and click on the events link.