The film "Migraine - A Painful Reality" stands out as a relevant entry for the Cannes Lions Film Craft: Editing category due to its masterful handling of complex elements. The film seamlessly incorporates both unscripted and scripted segments, showcasing the editor's skill in maintaining a cohesive narrative flow. Additionally, the use of special effects enhances the portrayal of migraine experiences, bringing them to life in a visually compelling manner. These editing intricacies contribute significantly to the film's impact and make it a compelling contender for this category.

Migraine, a complex neurological disorder, is disproportionately prevalent in Canada, with 75% of sufferers being women. Globally, women's pain has often been overlooked and inadequately addressed, contributing to a systematic devaluing of their experiences with conditions such as migraine. Following a 40-year period with limited advancements in the treatment of migraine, promising new therapeutic options are emerging. This presents an opportune moment to reignite discussions, validate the experiences of affected individuals, and empower them to actively seek necessary support. (It should also be noted that, in Canada, treatment cannot be mentioned within the context of a disease awareness message.)

This short film chronicles a day in the life of a woman grappling with a migraine, interspersed with heartfelt testimonials from actual migraine sufferers. The film vividly portrays the real-life experiences of our participants through live-action sequences. We observe our protagonist navigating relationships, productivity challenges, and the constant quest for relief amidst interactions with her colleagues, her children, and her spouse.

Background: The Problem

Migraine, a complex neurological disorder, confronts pervasive stigma and misunderstanding within society. Erroneously labeled as a simple "headache," migraine's true nature and impact are often overlooked, particularly affecting the 75% of sufferers who are women. Historically, women's pain has been underdiagnosed and undertreated, perpetuating the marginalization of migraine as a legitimate health concern.

Brief and Objectives: The Idea

"Migraine - A Painful Reality" is a short film designed to challenge the stigma surrounding migraine. Combining scripted live-action scenes with authentic patient testimonials, the film aims to reveal the true impact of migraine on individuals' lives. By presenting compelling storytelling and unfiltered accounts, the film seeks to dismantle misconceptions and cultivate empathy, urging viewers to reconsider their perceptions and advocate for greater awareness, understanding and support.

The edit is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, skillfully blending scripted and unscripted elements to create a seamless and immersive experience. The editor's expertise is evident in the film's narrative flow, where transitions between these elements are smooth and natural, maintaining the audience's engagement throughout.

The incorporation of special effects further highlights the editor's artistry, enhancing the visual representation of migraine experiences. From depicting the intense pain and sensory disturbances to illustrating the emotional toll on sufferers, the use of effects is purposeful and impactful, elevating the film's storytelling to a new level.

Each edit was carefully crafted to evoke empathy and understanding, ensuring that viewers not only witness but also deeply feel the challenges faced by migraine sufferers.