Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders

This harrowing but illuminating documentary focuses on the difficult work of Doctors Without Borders, the international nongovernment organization that establishes hospital missions in some of the most violent and despair-filled regions on earth. Seen from the perspective of two such missions in Africa—one in Liberia and the other in Congo—Living in Emergency reveals both the rewards and the human toll of trying to treat people under extreme conditions. Director Mark Hopkins follows several doctors through their long days and months, helping patients suffering from illnesses due to privation and the horrifying wounds of civil war. Along the way, the documentary offers extraordinary access both to medical dramas (including some graphic footage) and the psychodramas of staff members, for whom trauma and low morale are a reality. Events take on even greater poignancy when one of the enterprises faces closure and collective fear gradually shifts to sad resignation. But ultimately this is also a hopeful story about Westerners assimilating into very different cultures in order to help. DVD extras include an interview with the director, and a panel discussion concerning Doctors Without Borders (featuring author Sebastian Junger). Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)