Irish-produced documentary highlights the transformative impact of clinical trials and patient voices in diabetes research.
An Irish documentary exploring the human impact of diabetes research and clinical trials has received international recognition after being selected for the SCINEMA International Science Film Festival 2026 and awarded an Honourable Mention in the Best Short Film category.
Imperfect Days, directed by Dave Qualter and produced by Laura Qualter of Prospect Films, was recognised at one of the world’s leading science film festivals, which attracts more than 1,300 entries from over 26 countries each year. Now in its 26th year, the Australian-based festival celebrates outstanding storytelling that connects science, medicine and society.
The 25-minute documentary shines a light on the realities of living with diabetes through the stories of Carmel McDonagh, Tony Marshall and Faye Burke, who candidly share their experiences of living with the condition and participating in clinical trials. Their stories are complemented by insights from leading Irish researchers and clinicians including Professor Fidelma Dunne, Professor Seamus Sreenan, Professor Matt Griffin, and Dr Christine Newman, whose work is helping transform diabetes care through innovative clinical research.
Filmed across Dublin and Galway, Imperfect Days explores diabetes across the lifecourse with honesty, sensitivity and humour while demonstrating how clinical trials—and crucially, Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)—are changing both the delivery and direction of healthcare research.
Produced with funding from the Health Research Board through the HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network, the documentary was created under the Science on Screen initiative, a partnership between CÚRAM the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devicesand Ardán, which has seen 10 documentaries created in 10 years reaching audiences of nearly 2 million people.
The film highlights the pioneering work of the HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network, the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland and CÚRAM, whose combined research has advanced clinical trials in areas including gestational diabetes, cardiovascular disease and beyond. Central to the documentary is the message that involving patients and the public in research is not simply beneficial, it is essential to ensuring research addresses the issues that matter most to those living with diabetes.
Premiering at Pálás Cinema in Galway in December 2025, Imperfect Days was developed with Patient and Public Involvement embedded throughout every stage of production, from the earliest concept to filming, editing and dissemination. This collaborative approach ensured the documentary authentically reflected lived experience while making complex medical research accessible to wider audiences.
The recognition at SCINEMA places Imperfect Days alongside internationally acclaimed science films and highlights Ireland’s growing reputation for innovative public engagement with health research.
As healthcare continues to evolve, Imperfect Days demonstrates the power of combining authentic patient experiences with scientific excellence to inspire understanding, trust and participation in clinical research.
Science on Screen scheme was founded by CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices and Ardán to explore the stories behind science and to facilitate, promote and increase the inclusion of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) content in Irish film and TV production. Over the last ten years the films and animations produced through Science on Screen have been screened in 30 different countries and reached almost 2 million people through broadcasts, film festivals, through community, academic and clinical screenings and via online platforms and public exhibits. Past recipients of the Science on Screen Documentary Commission have included Mia Mullarkey, Alice McDowell, James Ryan, Paul Webster, Anna and Hugh Rodgers, Zlata Filipovic, Ronan Cassidy, Luke Brabazon, Karen Coleman, Leeona Duff, Ciaran O Connor, Maria O’ Neill and Tiernan Williams.
Trailer for Imperfect Days:
Next screening:
10.30am to 2pm, Saturday, September 19th at Treacy’s West County Hotel, Ennis in association with Thriveabetes.
Quotes:
Director Dave Qualter and producer Laura Qualter said:
“We’re thrilled that Imperfect Days has received an Honourable Mention at the SCINEMA International Science Film Festival. We hope that this recognition will help our film reach new audiences and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to the project.”
Wendy Landers, PPI Contributor, said:
“PPI is becoming an increasingly integral part of research in Ireland, but this collaboration takes it to another level. This short film authentically captures the day-to-day reality of living with diabetes and will help a much wider audience understand why patients are such a vital part of the research process. It showcases dedicated clinicians, researchers and families, all working towards the same goal. I’m incredibly proud to have been involved as a PPI contributor and to have witnessed how David and Laura put everyone at ease, allowing people to be themselves. The result is a truly groundbreaking, emotive and thought-provoking film.”
Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director, HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network, said:
“This recognition is a wonderful acknowledgement of the power of collaboration between patients, researchers and clinicians. Imperfect Days demonstrates that clinical trials are about far more than scientific discovery, they are about improving lives. By placing Patient and Public Involvement at the heart of both the research and this documentary, we are showing how people living with diabetes can actively shape the future of healthcare. We hope the film encourages greater public understanding of clinical research, builds trust in the research process, and demonstrates that the most meaningful advances in healthcare are driven by collaboration with the people they are intended to benefit.”
Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director, CÚRAM the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices, said:
“This recognition is a wonderful work of the filmmakers. Also Imperfect Days demonstrates that clinical trials are about far more than scientific discovery – they are about improving lives. By placing Patient and Public Involvement at the heart of both the research and this documentary, we are showing how people living with diabetes can actively shape the future of healthcare. This international recognition is a testament to the power of collaboration between filmmakers, researchers and patients in bringing science to life for audiences everywhere.”
Alan Duggan, CEO of Ardán, said:
“It’s great to see Dave and Laura Qualter’s film ‘Imperfect Days’ getting picked up by a notable international science film festival like SCINEMA in Australia. Audience engagement is an important part of a filmmaker’s journey, and public access is a big part of CÚRAM and Ardán’s Science on Screen initiative, so this screening is a great opportunity.”
Media enquiries to: mary.deely@universityofgalway.ie
