SDFF Co-Director Jean McGlothlin sits down with documentary filmmaker Skye Fitzgerald to talk about Hunger Ward, the final documentary in a three-part series focused on humanitarian crises, which also includes 50 Feet from Syria (2015) and Lifeboat (2018). Filmed inside two of the most active therapeutic feeding centers in conflict-ridden Yemen, Hunger Ward documents two women fighting to thwart the spread of starvation against the backdrop of a forgotten war. The film provides unflinching portraits of Dr. Aida Alsadeeq and Nurse Mekkia Mahdi as they work to save the lives of hunger-stricken children within a population on the brink of famine. This interview includes a discussion of the ethics of aesthetics and style in filming humanitarian crises and other material that is often construed as exploitative, disaster tourism, etc. The interview touches on Hunger Ward and the Humanitarian Trio more broadly, what compelled Fitzgerald to make the films, the purpose of documentary in such dire circumstances, and more.
Fitzgerald’s interview is one of a six video exclusives being released from behind the SDFF paywall. These six interviews and discussions were made and released as part of SDFF 2021 and will be released monthly through the end of the year, as part of the launch of our new website and enhanced video exclusives section. Hunger Ward streamed as part of SDFF 2021 from June 10-13.