Between nagging advice from parents, screaming evangelists on the Mall, "Truth" commercials and public service announcements, today's youth is constantly bombarded with advice on what issues to worry about and where to focus their energy.
To make things a little easier, the UA Zuckerman College of Public Health has figured out a way to inform the public in an entertaining manner with the Southwest PHilmfest, a Focus is Health Disparities and Call to Action.
"This film festival is more than people getting together to learn about the poignant public health issues affecting our communities," said G. Marie Swanson dean at the UA Zuckerman College of Public Health. "It also hopes to stimulate action around these issues."
This festival was intended to provide an engaging means to motivate people into dialogue about public health issues and raise awareness.
"We were looking into a health fair, but they're a dime a dozen. We wanted to spur people into action. I think this is an innovative way to do it," said Vicki B. Gaubeca, director for public affairs and marketing at the UA Zuckerman College of Public Health.
Running Sunday through April 8, the festival coincides with National Public Health week, whose theme is "Living Longer, Living Stronger." In its second year, the festival will focus on Native American health issues, HIV/AIDS, border health, aging and LGBT issues, incorporating health week with the college's focus on specific aspects of health disparities.
A committee chose the films, which are relatively new, mostly from the 1990s onward. Gaubeca found that even if the films were older, they were still very consistent to the issues needing to be addressed today.
"Some of them are just classics. It was amazing how relevant they still are today," Gaubeca said.
The films are mostly documentaries with one short narrative film and almost every viewing will be accompanied by a discussion.
Gaubeca believes this format is unique in that it allows for unanswered questions that arise after watching any film to be answered as well as an opportunity to be informed and then get involved.
"It's kind of a cool place to go and see them with a cool follow-up plan." Gaubeca said. "We will give people who feel that way something to do about it."
The opening film, "'G' Methamphetamine on the Navajo Nation," directed by Shonie and Andee De La Rosa, focuses on the epidemic of methamphetamine use in the Navajo Nation.
The discussion that follows will include the directors, as well as the health educator for Tuba City Health Care Corporation, Utahna Brown, and former methamphetamine users from the film. Guabeca said this spectrum of speakers on the topic, should provide an interesting and well-balanced discussion.
"This is one of those films that can't be shown enough times," Gaubeca said.
The screenings on Tuesday about the AIDS epidemic in Africa, "The Sky in her Eyes" and "State of Denial," will both be followed by a discussion with Prexy Nesbitt - an international speaker and race, diversity and multiculturalism organizer.
Because the festival addresses a wide variety of issues, Gaubeca believes it will draw an audience from all members of the community.
"Each film is going to mean something different to everyone," Gaubeca said.
Venues are varied, but all films are free. For a full listing of the films and venues go to www.publichealth.arizona.edu/philmfest.