Watch Hunger Ward

Hunger Ward is a stirring documentary that delves into the current humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where millions of children are suffering from malnutrition and starvation due to the war and the blockade. Directed by Skye Fitzgerald, the film depicts the heart-wrenching stories of two doctors and their young patients in the pediatric ward of a hospital in the city of Sana'a. The doctors, Dr. Aida Alsadeeq and Dr. Omeima Essa Salem Abdullah, are among the few medical practitioners left in the city, which has been ravaged by bombs, disease, and poverty.

Through intimate and poignant scenes, Hunger Ward portrays the daily struggles faced by the children and their families, as they wait for food, medicine, and hope. The film shows the skeletal bodies of the children, their vacant eyes, and their parents' despair, who have to make impossible choices between buying food or medicine, or trying to save one child over the other. One mother sobs as she watches her son die, while another father admits that he has lost faith in God because he cannot bear to see his daughter suffer.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Dr. Aida and Dr. Omeima remain steadfast in their mission to save lives, even as they face limited resources, constant power outages, and the risk of violence. They work tirelessly, day and night, to provide essential medical care, nourishment, and emotional support to the children and their families. The film also highlights the role of women in the Yemeni society, as both doctors are female and have to navigate the cultural and social norms that restrict their movement, dress, and speech.

Hunger Ward also sheds light on the political and economic factors that have contributed to the crisis in Yemen. The film shows footage of protests, bombings, and military operations that have displaced millions of people and destroyed infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, and water systems. The blockade imposed by the Saudi-led coalition has further worsened the situation, by preventing food, fuel, and medicines from entering the country. The film interviews humanitarian workers and activists who explain the complex dynamics of the conflict and the challenges of delivering aid in a context of violence and mistrust.

Overall, Hunger Ward is a powerful and timely documentary that exposes the human toll of war and hunger on the most vulnerable members of society. It is a call to action for viewers to support humanitarian efforts, to raise awareness about the crisis in Yemen, and to demand accountability from governments and institutions that have failed to prevent or alleviate the suffering of millions. The film is a testament to the bravery, resilience, and compassion of ordinary people who are fighting for survival and dignity in extraordinary circumstances. It deserves to be seen by a wide audience, especially those who have the power to effect change.

Hunger Ward is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.