Hunger Ward

Hunger Ward from 2020 is a riveting, heart-wringing, and thought-provoking documentary that reveals the gut-wrenching circumstances of the ongoing civilian war in Yemen. Crafted with meticulous care by Academy Award-nominated director Skye Fitzgerald, this 40-minute film features Aida Alsadeeq, Omeima Essa Salem Abdullah, and Mekkia Mahdi in principal roles. Even though it’s a short film, Hunger Ward paints an excruciating yet important picture that's impossible to forget.

In this documentary, Fitzgerald pulls back the curtain on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, a country torn apart by civil war. It is an unforgiving and stark tale of resilience and survival viewed through the lens of two fearless women – a health worker and a doctor – Aida Alsadeek and Mekkia Mahdi, at two therapeutic feeding centers. It foregrounds the harrowing challenges that these brave health workers confront daily, trying to save innocent lives affected by severe malnutrition against a backdrop of escalating conflict.

The narrative of Hunger Ward is not about throwing a calculated assortment of statistics and facts at the viewers, instead, this film offers an up-close and personal look into how the war affects the innocent, most of whom are children. Be it the hospital site in south Yemen, where Dr. Aida Alsadeeq works relentlessly fighting against the odds of the undeclared blockade, or a makeshift clinic in the north, where Nurse Mekkia Mahdi takes care of the orphaned children in a region frequently devastated by airstrikes, these women carry the narrative of Hunger Ward on their strong shoulders.

It's easy for humanitarian crises in far-off parts of the world to seem remote. Still, in Hunger Ward, director Fitzgerald makes it viscerally clear that these are not nameless, faceless masses but real individuals with lives that have been violently disrupted. Fitgerald's heartrending and evocative shots showing malnourished children lying almost lifeless, parents' desperate prayers for their child's survival, and health workers stretching themselves beyond their limits to save lives, expose the cold reality of war.

The strength of this film lies not just in its unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities of war but in its careful handling of the dichotomy of hope and despair. The relentless efforts from health workers like Aida and Mekkia to bring an ounce of hope and healing to the devastated offer a poignantly moving counterpoint to the despair brought by the war. The astounding strength they display in the face of their overwhelming crisis makes this journey personal and heavy with emotion.

Despite the harsh operating conditions, the limited resources, and constant confrontations with death, the determination of Healthcare workers to mitigate the pain and worry in their patient's eyes is palpably felt. These protagonists, caught in a relentless cycle of caring and grieving, become symbols of resilience and tireless effort, embodying an inspiring strength of humanity.

Drawing attention towards the often overlooked issues of conflict and its impact on civilians, Hunger Ward marries breathtaking cinematography with strikingly intimate storytelling. The omnipresent dichotomy between the positive impacts of the feeding centers and the devastating reality of malnutrition and starvation is masterfully captured in both the visual and narrative aspects of this documentary, making it a soul-stirring viewing experience.

Composer William Campbell's evocative score provides the perfect, albeit somber, undertones to the poignant visuals unfolding on the screen. The sound design deserves a special mention for adding a layer of realism that further immerses the viewer in the grim world of these stunning, yet heartbreaking sequences.

There is no question that Hunger Ward is a hard watch – its portrayal of children so malnourished they can hardly move, let alone smile, is devastating and meant to be so. However, beyond the emotive aspect, the film also calls for amplified attention, intervention, and accountability for the Yemen crisis, making it not just a documentary but a hail for global action.

In conclusion, Hunger Ward is a jarring, highly emotive, and impactful short film centered on the lesser-known humanitarian crisis. It is a profound call to action and testimony to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of abject adversity. By shedding light on the devastating impact of the Yemen Civil War, this documentary prompts the global community to not just watch and empathize, but also to act and contribute towards an end to this often-forgotten crisis. This film isn't mere storytelling; it's a rallying cry - one that will stay with you long after the credits roll.