“The wellbeing of people and the desire to humanise the transformation of society are distinctive features of our University since its inception and drive us to go beyond academic training”, explains Josep M. Torné, general manager of UIC Barcelona. “This is why we are committed to promoting projects that have a positive impact on our environment, contributing to raising awareness and supporting research in areas that can improve people's quality of life,” he adds.
With this in mind, in 2021, UIC Barcelona launched a new project focused on its own production of documentaries with a social background that help to raise awareness and sensitise society on major issues. The documentary Brazadas was the first documentary produced by the University, with the focus on research on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The audiovisual piece was awarded at the Milano International FICTS Fest and also received the Sport and Society Award at the BCN Sports Film Festival. As Albert Gordillo, director of the documentary, producer Aidé Gómez and executive producer Lluïsa Cassina explain, "Brazadas is not simply a documentary, it is a call to action, a reminder of the need to invest resources and efforts in research to find solutions to help combat neurodegenerative diseases that currently have no cure”.
The University’s commitment to social awareness is perfectly aligned with recent advances in Spanish legislation, as evidenced by the Spanish Government’s approval of a law that seeks to improve care and support for ALS patients, facilitating access to treatments, resources and financial aid.
Following this line of social commitment and support for causes focused on emotional wellbeing and health promotion, UIC Barcelona has presented this year the documentary La Xarxa Invisible, a documentary about the prevention of suicide in young people. Presented as part of World Suicide Prevention Day, this production provides a comprehensive overview of all those involved in youth mental health prevention and care, highlighting the importance of creating support networks for everyone in need.
This initiative and the documentaries Brazadas and La Xarxa Invisible demonstrate UIC Barcelona's commitment to the University's core values of solidarity, social commitment, research and sustainability. At the same time, they reflect UIC Barcelona's determination to highlight issues affecting millions of people, which often fail to receive sufficient attention.
