Nov. 21, 2024 (New York) — The Data Healing the Lungs of a City, a powerful film showcasing the work of Vital Strategies and its partners to improve air quality and champion clean air action in Jakarta, Indonesia won in the Short Form Video category at the 2024 Shorty Impact Awards. The poignant film, part of The Climate and Us series produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, highlights how the climate crisis affects human health and highlights solutions from leading organizations.
“Prioritizing clean air initiatives is essential if we are to safeguard both human health and the health of our planet,” said Sumi Mehta, Vice President, Environmental, Climate & Urban Health, Vital Strategies. “The Climate and Us series highlights the profound global threats posed by rising air pollution and carbon emissions. Yet, we have the opportunity to change course. By improving air quality in cities, we can save lives, cut carbon emissions, and help the world achieve critical climate goals. We are honored by both the Shorty Impact Awards’ recognition of this film and grateful for the platform to raise awareness on such a crucial issue.”
The Data Healing the Lungs of a City follows the stories of three Jakarta residents living near some of the city’s largest sources of air pollution, including a busy urban port, factories, and heavily congested streets. Novi, a mother of two, and Cepi, a local resident, share their concerns about the dust and pollution that they and their families are exposed to daily. Zalfaa, a medical student passionate about understanding the health impacts of polluted air, volunteers to educate the community on the issue. Central to this effort is an air monitoring network set up across Jakarta, with one monitor located next to the school attended by Novi and Cepi’s children.
“Being shortlisted for a Shorty Impact Award reflects not just creativity but a commitment to drive meaningful impact,” said Junmian Sun, Managing Director of the Shorty Awards.
The 9th Annual Shorty Impact winners are selected by the Real Time Academy, including industry leaders from notable brands and organizations like Bumble, Liquid Death, Meta, Netflix, Digitas, Lenovo, Edelman, LinkedIn and more. Winners will be announced at the Shorty Impact Awards ceremony on November 20, 2024, at The Belasco in Los Angeles.
Visit Shorty Awards for a complete list of winners and honorees.
Watch the short film here.
About Vital Strategies
Vital Strategies believes every person should be protected by an equitable and effective public health system. We partner with governments, communities and organizations around the world to reimagine public health so that health is supported in all the places we live, work and play. The result is millions of people living longer, healthier lives.
To find out more, please visit www.vitalstrategies.org or follow us on LinkedIn.
About the Shorty Awards
The Shorty Awards (also known as “The Shortys”) honors the most innovative work in digital and social media by brands, agencies and organizations. Founded in 2008, the Shortys’ notable previous winners include Malala Yousafzai, Trevor Noah, Michelle Obama, Conan O’Brien, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, and brands such as MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount, Digitas, HBO, Meta, Airbnb, Honda, UNICEF and PepsiCo.
The Shortys’ mission is to celebrate, inspire and push the boundaries of excellence in digital storytelling. Entries are judged on the merits of creativity, strategy, and engagement by the Real Time Academy, a body of hand-selected industry experts and leaders. The public can also weigh in and select their favorite Shorty Awards contenders during Audience Honor Voting. Currently, the Shortys have two annual competitions, the flagship Shorty Awards and Shorty Impact Awards dedicated to honoring the best work with a positive social impact.