Lyme disease documentary makes Oscar’s shortlist

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lyme disease documentary makes Oscar’s shortlist

Nov. 24, 2009 – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced last week that the highly acclaimed Lyme disease documentary, Under Our Skin has made the short list in the category of Best Documentary for the 82nd Academy Awards Oscar presentations in 2010.

Okanagan movie goers were ahead of the curve. Under Our Skin took top honours at the Okanagan International Film Festival in 2009 where it won Best Documentary and People’s Choice awards. It was also an award winner at the Shuswap Film Festival.

This is a timely announcement in that the Okanagan International Film Festival organizers who had the foresight to present Under Our Skin have teamed up with the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation to co-sponsor the first OIFF/CanLyme Celebrity Christmas Party to be held December 10th, 2009 at the Delta Grand Hotel in Kelowna, BC.

Confirmed celebrity guests include Keith Emerson, of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, a very successful band with hits such as “What a Lucky Man, He Was”, and who garnered six platinum albums in the 1970’s. Also attending will be Danny McBride the lead guitarist for the Chris De Burgh for 11 years in the 80’s and 90’s, with their most famous hit song being, “Lady in Red”. Canada’s own Terry David Mulligan will be in attendance, as will John Lee Saunders, reggae group Mystic Bowie, and others.

Renowned artists have provided over $30,000 in art for the silent auction to be held during the Christmas Party.

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Lyme disease is a serious threat Lyme disease is on the rise in Canada, yet treatment and public awareness are largely inadequate. Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme) is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting Lyme research, education and treatment.