Award-winning documentary shines a light on the lived experience of diabetes and the vital role of clinical research in improving care.
A new Irish documentary exploring the realities of living with diabetes and the impact of clinical research will air on RTÉ One on Monday 19 October at 8:30pm. Imperfect Days brings together the voices of people living with diabetes, researchers and clinicians to tell a powerful story of partnership, innovation and hope.
Produced by Prospect Films and directed by David Qualter, the 25-minute documentary follows Carmel McDonagh, Tony Marshall and Faye Burke as they share their personal experiences of living with diabetes and participating in clinical trials. Filmed in Dublin and Galway, the documentary highlights how research is shaped by the people it aims to serve and how public and patient involvement (PPI) is helping transform diabetes care in Ireland.
The film features leading diabetes researchers and clinicians from University of Galway, Galway University Hospitals and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, including Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway and Director of the HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network (DCCTN); Professor Seamus Sreenan; Professor Matt Griffin; and Dr Christine Newman.
At its core, Imperfect Days demonstrates how clinical trials are advancing understanding and treatment of diabetes and related conditions, while ensuring that research priorities reflect the lived experiences of patients. Through pioneering studies in areas such as gestational diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions, the HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network is helping to improve health outcomes through research conducted not only for patients, but with them.
The documentary was produced through the Science on Screen initiative, a public engagement programme run by Rinn Medical Devices, part of the Rinn Network funded through Research Ireland, in partnership with Ardán. Funding for the film was provided through a Health Research Board (HRB) grant to the HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network.
The film has already attracted international recognition, receiving an Honourable Mention for Best Short Film at Australia’s SCINEMA International Science Film Festival and being named a finalist at the CineHealth Film Festival in Philadelphia, USA.
Professor Fidelma Dunne said:
“Clinical trials are the bridge between scientific discovery and real-world impact. Through the HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network, we’re ensuring that research in Ireland reflects the priorities and lived experiences of people living with diabetes. Imperfect Days highlights just how vital that partnership has become.”
Director David Qualter added:
“This film is really about partnership between researchers, clinicians and the people who live with diabetes every day. We wanted to show how collaboration and clinical research are not abstract ideas, but real forces that are changing lives across Ireland.”
As the 10th documentary produced under the Science on Screen programme, Imperfect Days continues a decade-long tradition of bringing Irish health research to wider audiences through compelling human stories. By placing lived experience at the centre of the narrative, the documentary offers a unique insight into how research, clinical trials and patient involvement are working together to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.
Broadcast Details
📺 Imperfect Days
RTÉ One
Monday 19 October
8:30pm
🎬 Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1211612625