A support group for the condition endometriosis based in West Lothian has released a short film raising awareness of their condition which is on exhibition in the National Gallery.
The group, Endo Warriors West Lothian, was founded by locals Candice McKenzie and Claire Beattie in 2017 to support people living with Endometriosis.
The short film project, called ‘Deviant’, explores the societal framing of women with endometriosis and is defined as ‘resonant and acutely intimate’ by film critics - the Endo Warriors worked with award-winning artist Emily Beaney to produce the show.
The film will be on show in the National Galleries of Scotland on the Mound in Edinburgh until June 12 - in addition to the exhibition - the film was shown at the Stills Gallery in Edinburgh and also the Hawick Film Festival on the Scottish Borders on April 30.
Founder of Endo Warriors, Candice McKenzie, spoke about the film.
She said: “We had the opportunity to work with an award winning filmmaker and artist called Emily Beaney - so far it’s been really well received - it’s even been nominated by the Royal Scottish Academy.
“It’s also on show in the National Galleries on the Mound in Edinburgh - which is quite an honour to have our work exhibited in such a prestigious venue.
“We are very privileged to have had this opportunity and truly hope this helps shine an additional spotlight onto endometriosis.”
In addition to the short film, the Endo Warriors recently collaborated with Exppect Edinburgh and Cloud Chamber Studios in the production of an animation for secondary schools in West Lothian.
The short animation is currently being shown across all secondary schools in West Lothian - educating young people on what a ‘normal period’ feels like and on signs of endometriosis that mean viewers should reach out for help.
The animation comes following a history of work with Exppect Edinburgh, a pelvic and endometriosis treatment team in the capital, who the Endo Warriors have been fundraising for since 2018.
Endo Warriors have so far raised £15,465.15 so far, with a further £10,000 raised through campaigning - with money raised funding a PHD student who is looking at inflammatory markers of endometriosis through diet.
The Endo Warriors will continue to raise funds through their Kiltwalk in October, and their ‘#LightupYellow’ campaign that brings awareness to the condition by lighting up buildings, landmarks, and people in yellow.
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