Premature births disrupt the expected narrative of a pregnancy, intertwining vulnerability with resilience.
In their campaign, Unscripted Beginnings. A Fragile Start, a Strong Future, Chiesi – an international biopharmaceutical group headquartered in Parma, Italy – sheds light on the unique challenges and hopes surrounding premature births.
Following World Prematurity Day on November 17, the campaign spotlights the experiences of families, healthcare professionals, and the pivotal role of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Philip Breesch, Executive Vice President of Franchise Care at Chiesi, and Giulio Di Sturco, director of The Edge of Life – an immersive documentary supported by Chiesi, with a pre-launch slated as part of the campaign, discuss this initiative.
What is the main objective of the Unscripted Beginnings campaign?
Philip Breesch: The Unscripted Beginnings campaign aims to raise awareness about the significant issue of prematurity, highlighting both the harsh realities and the hopes that exist within NICUs.
There are over 13 million preterm births annually, 1 in 10 babies, and related deaths account for 1 million. We want to educate the public about the challenges faced by premature infants and their families, drawing attention to their unique experiences.
By showcasing both the fragility and resilience of these babies, we emphasise the critical importance of specialised care in providing them with a strong start and a brighter future.
How does Chiesi support the neonatal medical community?
Philip Breesch: Chiesi has been deeply committed to neonatology for over three decades, working tirelessly alongside healthcare professionals to improve outcomes for premature infants.
Through strategic partnerships, we continuously invest in groundbreaking research and innovative treatments that enhance neonatal care.
By sharing best practices and fostering knowledge exchange, we aim to empower NICU teams and support Patient associations and families during their challenging journeys.
Our unwavering dedication has contributed to improved survival rates and health outcomes for preterm infants across more than 80 countries around the globe.
The Edge of Life provides a unique look inside the NICU. Can you share what inspired this project?
Giulio Di Sturco: The project started unexpectedly on a vacation in Tuscany, where I met Charles Roehr, a neonatology expert from Bristol’s Southmead Hospital.
His insight, especially after recognising my premature daughter’s distinctive pacifier, sparked an idea: to document the emotional and challenging world of neonatology.
Originally conceived as a photography project, it evolved after a week in Bristol’s NICU, where I realised film could capture its essence – the sounds, time distortion, and emotions in the “Bubble”, as staff call this surreal and almost timeless space.
Additionally, using formats like 360-degree footage from incubators, the project simulates the perspective of a newborn.
What is the main objective of the documentary, and what message do you hope to convey to viewers?
Giulio Di Sturco: The goal is to provide an intimate look into the intensity of premature neonatal care, touching not just on medical aspects but also on the emotional journey of those involved.
We want to reveal what happens, which few truly know unless they’ve experienced it. My aim is to bring people into this “Bubble,” to convey the intensity and dedication of doctors, nurses, and families. It’s also a way to give back what was given to me.
