Global Initiative in Psychiatry - Tbilisi Foundation Recognized Contest Winners

The Global Initiative in Psychiatry - Tbilisi foundation recognized excellence in the anti-discriminative coverage of mental problems.

The contest Ten Best Media Products on Mental Health was announced in four categories such as print, TV, radio and online coverage.

The first prize in print media was awarded to Temur Marshanishvili for the article 'Real and Expected Results of Rewinding Hands of a Clock' published in the Guria-based newspaper Guria News (#82).

The second prize was awarded to two articles such as: 'Gov't must tackle mental illness among elders' by Irma Kakhurishvili, published in the Georgia Today (#482.http://www.georgiatoday.ge/articles.php?cat=Social&version=482) and 'Невозлюбившие' by Irma Kakhurashvili, published in the 'Семейный доктор Подруга' magazine (#17-20).

The third prize was awarded to two articles such as: 'Psychiatric Reservation's by Natia Guliashvili, published in the Liberal magazine (#12) and 'People with Mental Illnesses Ask for Social Allowances' by Iza Shakarashvili, published in the Akhali Aliansi (#25).

As regards to TV nominations the first prize was awarded to Gvantsa Jishkariani for a short documentary Mental Disorders, aired through the Georgian Patriarchate channel.

The second prize was awarded to Keti Kapanadze for TV story on mental health, aired through Anarekli news outlet, Gori-based Trialeti TV.

The third prize was awarded to Nino Kakhishvili for a short documentary 'Red Coat,' aired through the Georgian Patriarchate channel.

Zviad Khujadze was awarded the first prize for the best radio story The Rejected, aired through Kutaisi-based radio Dzveli Kalaki.

Iliko Tsiskarishvili was recognized as the best for online publication 'Stigma - We live in Fantasies,' posted on fact.ge (8.07.09).

The jury sympathy prize was awarded to Gulo Kokhodze's article 'Predator is Coming' published in the newspaper Samkhretis Karibche (http://www.regions.ge/2&newsid=331&year=2009&position=news_main&q=ხიშნიკა+მოდის).

Encouraging prizes were awarded to the smallest contest participants such as the School 55 undergraduates Tata Goshadze and Elene Danelia for the article Stigma - Let's Take Care of problems Together,' published in the Youth Palace-founded newspaper Spring (September edition).

The goal of the contest was to incite the media campaign on the ethical coverage of mental illness-related issues that is going to be conducive to the reduction of stigma and discrimination towards the people with mental disorders. All stories covered through Georgian media space in 2009 had been eligible to take part in the contest.

The winners have been awarded with certificates and pecuniary prizes: GEL 1,100 for the first place; GEL 800 for the second place; GEL 500 for the third place. The best online publication was awarded GEL 600 and GEL 100 for the jury sympathy prize holder.

In addition the winners were awarded with Gela Jincharadze's paintings. Gela is the main character of the documentary awarded.

The awards ceremony was held at the Amirani movie theatre small hall.

The project partner organizations include: The Global Initiative in Psychiatry - Tbilisi foundation; Georgian Public Defender; Ndoba - Centre for Socio-Psychological Assistance; Georgian Association for Mental Health; Public Health and Medicine Development Fund of Georgia; Anti Stigma association, Union of people in need for special care; Union for Equal Rights and the Union of Young Pedagogues.