Take Heart (2016)

What disease starts with a sore throat, or infected skin sores in children, and if left untreated can advance to open heart surgery, permanent disability, stroke and premature death? Rheumatic Heart Disease, or RHD, is a largely invisible disease that threatens the lives of over 30 million children and young people around the world. Take Heart lifts the lid on this life-threatening disease that is 100% preventable. This powerful and provocative film is the first in a global series that focuses on Australasia - Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. The first peoples of this region - Indigenous Australians, New Zealand Maoris and Pacific Islanders - have among the highest rates of Rheumatic Heart Disease in the world. While Australia and New Zealand are classified as among the most wealthy and equal societies in the world, this epidemic highlights the the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australasians. Take Heart provides a first hand account that explores how we can close this gap and prevent more children being struck down by this completely preventable disease. Narrated by Logie & Walkley Award Winner, Mr Stan Grant. Recipient of 9 Global Independent Film Awards including Gold Medal for Best Featurette and an Impact Docs Award (2016).