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Exhibit: Thirst: In Search of Freshwater - Wellcome Collection

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Exhibit: Thirst: In Search of Freshwater - Wellcome Collection

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Beautiful exhibit on at the Wellcome Collection (around the corner from LSHTM) that explores humanity’s vital connection with freshwater as an essential source of life and good health. It highlights how freshwater shapes health and ecosystems; the consequences of mismanagement, like the spread of infectious disease; and community-led solutions to the global water crisis.

On until 1 February 2026 (free)

Relevant to our WASH lecture.

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Our new exhibition explores humanity’s vital connection with freshwater — an essential source of life and pillar of good health for people and planet.

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By Mahamat Saleh Haroun (Chadian). French title "Lingui, les liens sacrés". It depicts the story of a young teenager who got pregnant in a country where abortion is condemned by religion and law.

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LINGUI, THE SACRED BONDS | Official Trailer | Exclusively on MUBI

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Film recommendation: Neighbours (Mano Khalil 2021)

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Film recommendation: Neighbours (Mano Khalil 2021)

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This (fictitious) movie depicts depicts the absurdity of war through the eyes of a child - Sero, a 6 years old Kurdish Syrian boy living with his family in a village on the borders between Syria and Turkey.

Review: Neighbours - Cineuropa

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- The latest feature film by Kurdish-Swiss director Mano Khalil depicts the absurdity of war through the eyes of a child

A regular at Solothurn Film Days where he presented his previous three films ( (2018), The Swallow (2016) and The Beekeeper (2013), which won the prestigious Prix de Soleure), Kurdish-Swiss director Mano Khalil is making his return to the festival to present Neighbours in a world premiere. And once again, he is turning his attention towards his native land and the conflict exhausting it, this time through the gaze of a carefree child.

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Both simple and cruel, Neighbours ' story homes in on a village on the Turkish-Syrian border at the beginning of the 1980s. As if in a microcosm, preserved by the cruelty and intransigence of an increasingly radicalised society, the inhabitants live together peacefully, viewing their differences as indispensable pieces of a puzzle in which they are all harmoniously represented. There's no sentimentality; just the regular unfolding of their naturally multi-faceted daily lives, which no-one feels the need to call into question.

This village is home to the film's protagonist Sero (played by the impressive Serhed Khalil), a six-year-old Kurdish child whom we follow through his first year of school, a decisive time which changes his life forever. Not only does his mother die from a gunshot wound, the bullet fired "unintentionally" by a soldier patrolling the country's border, he also finds his entire tiny world revolutionised by the radical teachings (or rather indoctrination) meted out by a new teacher who has been sent from Damascus to take up the reins of the Arab school attended by Sero. The absurd brand of nationalism adhered to by his teacher clashes with the peaceful coexistence of the town's inhabitants (which transcends religion and roots) and shatters the small certainties enjoyed by Sero and his classmates.

The fact that the film encourages us to observe this complex reality through the eyes of a child means that the latter retains a veil of magic which prevents sadness from taking over, as if the new teacher's cruelty and pragmatism couldn't quite get past the defences of childhood, strong from illusions and simple desires (such as Sero's dream to one day be able to watch cartoons on TV). The moment where the pupils are asked by their teacher how they would fight the Jews and where they respond with an unexpected and spontaneous: "by playing cops and robbers", is nigh-on Felliniesque in the extent to which the magic of childhood finds itself mixed, not without humour, with the cruelty of the present. The same goes for the scene where they're discussing terms endlessly repeated by their teacher, "Zionism" and "imperialism", and they describe them as fantastical creatures without having the faintest idea of what they mean. The abusive masculinity displayed by Sero's uncle is likewise seen through the filter of the child's innocent sensitivity, the latter springing to his aunt's defence to protect her from his uncle's brutality. It's a thoroughly cathartic moment which shines a light on the heavily constructed nature of this virile and patriarchal masculinity, which, like his teacher's indoctrination, hasn't yet found a way to permeate the boy.

In Khalil's "huis clos", the war represents a potential for danger, but it's a nigh-on invisible danger, like a monster with an unknown face which is primed and ready to attack. Beyond the film's horrific images, which the viewer can well imagine, it is this silence, this palpable invisibility and its potential to deprive Sero of his carefree nature, which leaves a frightening mark and ultimately endows the film with genuine depth.

Neighbours is produced by Frame Film GmbH - who are also handling international sales - alongside SRF Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen, SRG SSR and ARTE G.E.I.E..

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(Translated from Italian)

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The latest feature film by Kurdish-Swiss director Mano Khalil depicts the absurdity of war through the eyes of a child A regular at Solothurn Film Days where he presented his previous three films ( (2018), The Swallow (2016) and The Beekeeper (2013), which won the prestigious Prix de Soleure), Kurdish-Swiss director Mano Khalil is making his return to the festival to present Neighbours in a world premiere.

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Watched this documentary years ago and it has stuck with me ever since. It focused a lot on the role of communities and the conflict in Syria. Made me question my own perception of the role of international actors and the complex socio-political nature of modern conflict.

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The White Helmets | FULL FEATURE | Netflix

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Program analysis and formulation resource  

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Program analysis and formulation resource  

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I bought this book during a conference at the WHO and have referenced it for years. There are definitely some limitations around standardization, intersectionality, etc. But I always find myself referencing back to it.

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It is a good read and provides a good insight into what is happening there (although a little biased as its extremely leftist). 

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Beautiful story of Valentino Achak Deng, a refugee of South Sudan in the USA. It's about all he experienced as a child, as an IDP and in refugee camps and how he copes with it as an adult. Definitely recommended, it's a wonderful book that tries to grab more than just the typical pity narrative (although I have to admit I cried multiple times).

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https://ipasforwomen.medium.com/shaping-a-post-colonial-ingo-f428338380a7

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Little Palestine (2021). Yarmouk, Damascus, Syria. 

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Little Palestine (2021). Yarmouk, Damascus, Syria. 

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By by Abdallah Al-Khatib, Lebanon, France. A filmed diary of the daily life in the biggest Palestinian refugee camp – Yarmouk, in Damascus, Syria and its besieged inhabitants, who decided to face bombing, displacement and hunger with rallying, study, music, love and joy.

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Little Palestine, Diary of a Siege by Abdallah Al-Khatib

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Learn more about the documentary Little Palestine, Diary of a Siege by Abdallah Al-Khatib - trailer, synopsis, screenings, press, filmmakers. Rent & buy online!

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By Fiona Lloyd-Davis (UK). Follows a rape victim who runs a shelter for survivors in DRC - interviews with soldiers etc., rape as a weapon of war

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global summit to end sexual violence in conflict

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Seeds of Hope is a documentary by Fiona Lloyd-Davies. Seeds of Hope is supported by the Pulitzer Center 10/06 Global Summit to End Sexual Violence.

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Survivors chronicles the remarkable stories of three Sierra Leoneans during what is now widely regarded as the most acute public health crisis of the modern era – the Ebola epidemic. Through a unique community filmmaking initiative, the film shares the bravery and humanity of the individuals fighting to support those most severely affected by the crisis.

Arthur Pratt, a Sierra Leonean filmmaker and pastor, leads the film’s narrative while working on the frontlines of the Ebola crisis. The film also shares the perspectives of Mohamed Bangura, the senior driver at the country's main ambulance dispatch; of Foday Koroma, a 12-year-old boy living on the streets in Freetown; and of Margaret Sesay, a nurse at the EMERGENCY Ebola treatment center who cares for some of the sickest patients impacted by the disease.

Survivors explores how the epidemic ravaged families and communities, reveals the misunderstandings between international NGOs and Sierra Leoneans, and unearths political tensions that still linger from a decade-long Civil War. In this, the film wrestles with ideas of national identity and international aid while still foregrounding the incredible work and compassion of Sierra-Leoneans throughout the darkest days of the outbreak.

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TEASER WATCH DISCUSSION GUIDE PRESS SHORT FILMS CONTACT SHOP

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By Sabin Agha (Pakistan) & Tom Roberts, 83 min. Attempting to eliminate Polio in Pakistan while the Taliban ban vaccinations & spread misinfomation. Features attacks on health care workers. Can be purchased from iTunes.

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Every Last Child: Directed by Tom Roberts. Families and healthcare workers find themselves in the cross-hairs of politics and violence as they attempt to protect their children from polio in Pakistan. At this critical time, when we are closer than ever before to global eradication, increased interna…

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Follows an American doctor in war-torn Sudan as the region is bombed relentlessly by an indicted war criminal, Omar al-Bashir. Available on Vimeo with password.

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In the war-torn Nuba Mountains of Sudan, American doctor Tom Catena selflessly and courageously serves the needs of a forgotten people, while the region is bombed relentlessly by an indicted war criminal, Omar Al-Bashir. Two things remain constant: Dr. Tom's faith and his enduring love for the Nuba people.

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The Heart of Nuba: Directed by Kenneth A. Carlson. With Cornelio Catena, Gene Catena, Nancy Catena, Paul Catena. In the war-torn Nuba Mountains of Sudan, American doctor Tom Catena selflessly and courageously serves the needs of a forgotten people, while the region is bombed relentlessly by an indicted war criminal, Omar Al-Bashir.

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By Kief Davidson & Pedo Kos. 101 min. Team of doctors and activists whose work 30 years ago to save lives in a rural Haitian village, then Rwandan, grew into a global battle in the halls of power for the right to health for all. Available on vimeo with password.

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Paul Farmer and Jim Yong Kim discuss their work for global health equity at a preview of a new documentary chronicling their work.

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Mark Hopkins (UK), 93 min. Western doctors in the field working in extreme conditions with limited resource.

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For the first time ever, MSF gave a documentary crew uncensored access to its field operations. Set in war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and post-conflict Liberia, "Living in Emergency" interweaves the stories of four doctors as they struggle to provide emergency medical care under extreme conditions.

About the Film
"Living in Emergency quickly takes on an emotional / dangerous / enraging quality that rivals only The Cove in its scope and complexity, and completely blows it out of the water with its topic and tone... By allowing filmmakers in for the first time, MSF has given director Mark Hopkins the opportunity to create both a calling card for the work that Doctors Without Borders does, and a cautionary tale about what it means to really help in a world that is teeming with outstretched hands."
-LAist, November 29, 2009

Summary

For the first time ever, MSF gave a documentary crew uncensored access to its field operations. Set in war-torn Congo and post-conflict Liberia, "Living in Emergency" interweaves the stories of four doctors as they struggle to provide emergency medical care under extreme conditions. Two volunteers are new recruits: a 26-year-old Australian doctor stranded in a remote bush clinic and an American surgeon from Tennessee trying to cope under the load of emergency cases in a shattered capital city.

Two others are experienced field hands: a dynamic head of mission, valiantly trying to keep morale high and tensions under control, and an exhausted veteran, who has seen too much horror and wants out. Amid the chaos, each doctor must find their own way to face the challenges of the work, the tough choices, and the limits of their idealism.
2010 Oscar Consideration
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that "Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders" was shortlisted as one of 15 films in the Documentary Feature category for the 82nd Academy Awards®.

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Living in Emergency - Stories of Doctors Without Borders

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For the first time ever, MSF gave a documentary crew uncensored access to its field operations. Set in war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and post-conflict Liberia, "Living in Emergency" interweaves the stories of four doctors as they struggle to provide emergency medical care under extreme conditions. Buy on Amazon

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By Femke & Ilse van Velzen (Netherlands), 59 min. Series of interviews with soldiers and former combatants giving shocking testimonies about rape in the DRC. Can be purchased from the 'Women make Movies' website.

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Prison for Profit

Whistleblowers, former prisoners and an investigative journalist paint a shocking picture of South Africa's first privatized prison. Profit maximization is the priority, with underpaid guards and violence against prisoners the inevitable outcome. ...

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Ilse van Velzen, Femke van Velzen - 2009 - In recent decades, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been plagued by many bloody conflicts between government leaders and rebels, leading to thousands of civilian victims. One of the horrors of these conflicts is the mass rape of women by soldiers: an estimated 150,000 women and girls have fallen victim to this crime.

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Directed by Julie Bridgham (USA) 92 min. Filmed during civil war following women who took up arms in the name of democratic revolution against maoist insurgents in Nepal. Can be purchased on the 'women make movies' website.

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"With its emphasis on self-representation and its nuanced perspectives, The Sari Soldiers also reveals the voices of women who suffered from both the state military and the Maoists. The film portrays women's emergence as leaders, and it presents opportunities to discuss how gender roles shift with changing socio-economic structures."

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Girl's war. Kurdistan (Syria/Iraq), 2016. 

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Girl's war. Kurdistan (Syria/Iraq), 2016. 

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By Mylène Sauloy (French) 53 min. Follows the 'Free Women's Party', group of women that took up arms against ISIS & Assad's regime in Kurdistan.

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Kurdistan: Girls at War / La guerre des filles

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The New Barbarianism. Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan (2017)

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The New Barbarianism. Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan (2017)

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Justin kenny & Stephen Morrison (USA), 58 min. Yemen, Afghanistan, attacks on healthcare facilities - humanitarian & healthcare workers caught in the crosshairs.

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The New Barbarianism is a CSIS Global Health Policy Center original feature documentary (58 minutes) that examines the crisis, its causes, the limited international response and possible ways forward through dozens of interviews and original footage obtained from inside Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan.

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By Feras Fayyad (Syrian), 95min. On healthcare facilities - humanitarian & healthcare workers caught in the crosshairs (follows one doctor in one hospital)

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Oscar nominee Feras Fayyad ("Last Men in Aleppo") delivers an unflinching story of the Syrian war with his powerful new documentary, The Cave.

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BY Waad Al-Kateab (Syrian) & Edward Watts, 100 min.  On healthcare facilities in Syria - humanitarian & healthcare workers caught in the crosshairs (follows several healthcare workers in one hospital)

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FOR SAMA is both an intimate and epic journey into the female experience of war. A love letter from a young mother to her daughter, the film tells the story of Waad al-Kateab's life through five years of the uprising in Aleppo, Syria as she falls in love, gets married and gives birth to Sama, all while cataclysmic conflict rises around her.

Her camera captures incredible stories of loss, laughter and survival as Waad wrestles with an impossible choice- whether or not to flee the city to protect her daughter's life, when leaving means abandoning the struggle for freedom for which she has already sacrificed so much.

The film is the first feature documentary by Emmy award-winning filmmakers, Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts.

FOR SAMA - PRODUCED BY CHANNEL 4 NEWS/ITN PRODUCTIONS FOR CHANNEL 4 AND FRONTLINE PBS.

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For Sama is a feature documentary that tells the astonishing story of a 26-year old female Syrian filmmaker, Waad al-Kateab, who filmed her life in rebel-held Aleppo through 5 years of the Syrian uprising. Directed by Waa al-Kateab and Edward Watts