SAUSALITO, Calif., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Under Our Skin, a documentary about the debilitating and often heartbreaking effects of Lyme disease, has just won a prestigious FREDDIE Award. The honor names the doc "Best Film about Infectious Diseases".

A production of Open Eye Pictures of Sausalito, CA and filmmaker Andy Abrahams Wilson, Under Our Skin investigates the human, medical and political dimensions of Lyme disease. The film casts one of the first media spotlights on the emerging epidemic that is destroying countless lives. Lyme disease is among the most misunderstood and controversial illnesses in recent medical history.

The FREDDIES, sometimes referred to as the "Oscars of Healthcare Films," are the preeminent media awards in the international health and medical fields. Each year, the competition attracts hundreds of submissions from around the world. Filmmakers and producers compete in 36 categories for the FREDDIE, the bronze statuette named in honor of the competition's founder, Dr. Fred Gottlieb. Judging is conducted by world-renowned medical and production professionals from across the United States.

"We're honored to be recognized by the FREDDIE awards," says filmmaker Andy Abrahams Wilson. "This honor allows us to again focus needed attention on the hundreds of people who shared their difficult stories of Lyme disease-as well as the millions more who are fighting for treatment, or sadly, have lost loved ones. This FREDDIE award honors their courageous battles."

Prior to the FREDDIE, Under Our Skin was an Audience Choice Award finalist at the Tribeca Film Festival, where it had its world premiere. In addition, the film has received major news coverage from ABC's Good Morning America, The Washington Post, and Sirius XM radio's Oprah and Friends Channel with Dr. Oz, among many others. Critics have called it:

    "Well-researched ... suspenseful ... artfully shot."     -Variety

    "Emotionally charged!"      -ABC News

"Not since Michael Moore has a documentary caused such a stir across America." -Fox News

The FREDDIES will be officially awarded at a black-tie awards ceremony November 14, 2008 at the Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia, PA. If you are interested in interviewing the film's director -- or physicians and patients -- at the event or prior, please contact Marc at marc@onthemarcmedia.com or (410) 963-2345.

SOURCE Under Our Skin