Why are women more likely to die from disease before the age of sixty than in other parts of Europe?

Why is it that Northern Ireland leads the world in untimely deaths from heart disease, in congenital handicaps like spina bifida?

Why do Northern Irish women suffer more from respiratory disease, bronchitis and pneumonia?

Under the Health Surface is very different from other health documentaries.  It doesn't place the onus on the individual.  Diet and exercise are not seen as the only answer to all our ills.

This is a social documentary.  There are lively interviews with women who talk about their housing, their environment, discrimination and corruption, unemployment and poverty, the stark realities of the 'Troubles' and the future they want for their children.

Spare Rib - 'Interesting and accessible.'

Womens News - 'Shows some of the many layers of oppression the most
       vulnerable in this society face.'

Outwrite - 'See the video.  Some scenes, some phrases will stay in your
         mind a long time.'

Fortnight - 'Asks a lot of awkward questions about the way we live, or are
       allowed to live.'

Sunday News 'Star Choice' - 'Definitely not another programme that
      bombards viewers with messages about
      nutrition and fitness.

Music by Rich O'Shea
Produced by Marilyn Hyndman
Directed by Marilyn Hyndman/Frances Boyer

Broadcast Channel 4 1986. Selected for Women in the Director's Chair Film Festival, Chicago. Leipzig Film Festival 1987. Broadcast Channel 13, Australia 1995 (retrospective).