We are making our film SURVIVORS available for free, streaming on PBS.org. The film chronicles the 2014 Ebola outbreak through the eyes of Sierra Leonean healthcare workers. Very, proud to share this film again at this time of great uncertainty and to highlight the inspiring self-sacrifice of Sierra Leonean workers and underscore the film's lessons about the importance of trust, transparency and community solidarity.
With the advent of COVID-19, the world faces an unprecedented challenge. While some countries and communities are taking swift action, others are not; misinformation and distrust in leadership and sources of information obfuscates an already confusing, terrifying situation. SURVIVORS illustrates how many of these challenges were experienced during the Ebola outbreak while also providing insight to possible solutions. The film also celebrates local heroes on the front lines.
We are contextualizing SURVIVORS in a way that relates the film to our present situation by updating discussion guides and excerpting scenes so our audience can engage with relevant content online. The goal is to provoke discussion around core themes: the importance of community solidarity, showing gratitude for medical workers, amplifying the role of community and faith leaders, warning the dangers of misinformation, underscoring the importance of trust, and celebrating stories of recovery.
Sierra Leone's public health challenges during Ebola were not unique. Though the crisis was exacerbated by poverty and political instability, few nations are prepared for the disruptions caused by a fatal, contagious disease. Researchers across the globe have used the Ebola epidemic as a case study for how to combat infectious diseases. We hope the hard-earned knowledge presented in our film can spread awareness and spark critical discussions about how to take action amid our current pandemic.
