Blood around the world




The frequency of the four main groups O, A, B and AB varies in populations throughout the world.

Where did these different blood groups come from? In the same way that people, cultures and languages change from country to country, so do blood groups. This means that some types are more common in certain ethnic and national groups and, despite the fact these groups become more mixed as people move around the globe, it's still possible to see how blood groups differ from population to population.

OneBlood

Four short animated films were screened on Channel 4 as part of the OneBlood campaign. Each of the films has it's own unique style and approach to the subject of blood donation and looks at the issue across different ethnic backgrounds.

Whats blood got to do with it?
An irreverent and entertaining romp through the history of the uses and misuses of blood, from ancient times through to the present day. Narrated by refreshingly absurd comedian Alexei Sayle.
View programme 56k  Broadband

Leona Alone
This frank and emotive documentary chronicles the experiences of Leona, a black girl born with Sickle Cell Disease. Now a teenager, she candidly describes the regular stream of hospital visits, sickle cell crises and blood transfusions that have become the fabric of her life.
View programme 56k  Broadband

Blood Sutra
A comic treatise debunking some of the myths surrounding blood donation, from a British-Asian perspective. Using Bollywood soundtracks and techno-tantric animation, this humorous piece exposes the characters and caricatures that make up some of the ingrained misconceptions of blood donation amongst the South Asian community.
View programme 56k  Broadband

The Circle
A young Chinese woman tells the story of her determination to overcome family fears and objections to become a regular blood donor. Using live footage, animation and photographs the filmmaker juxtaposes the importance of an ancient heritage and respect for the family with a contemporary Chinese perspective.
View programme 56k  Broadband

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