Heshani Sothiraj-Eddleston
Celebrating women across the globe to prevent deaths from pesticide self-poisoningTelling stories compassionately to inspire change
Name
Heshani Sothiraj-Eddleston
Job role
Filmmaker, Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, University of Edinburgh
Location
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Tell us about your role?
As a filmmaker, my role is to highlight the complex global issue of pesticide suicides. It’s not merely a health concern – it intertwines with culture, religion, farming, economics, and broader social realities.
Through film, I aim to simplify these layers, making them more human. My goal is to tell stories that resonate with the Centre’s broader audience, making the issue feel real, relatable, and important – not just policy or academic topics.
Why is this work important to you?
This work matters greatly to me because pesticide suicides are more than just statistics; they impact real individuals, families, and communities. Many of these stories remain hidden, particularly in rural areas, which makes the issue easier to ignore.
As a filmmaker, I believe stories can help people understand and care. Film can make complex issues feel human and real. If my work helps someone see the issue differently or start a conversation, then it matters.
This profile has been compiled for International Women’s Day 2026, to celebrate the incredible women worldwide who are helping to prevent deaths from pesticide self-poisoning.