Tuesday, March 13th, 2012
By Rob West
Nominated 2012 – Best Documentary
A film about how the lives of the poor can be transformed by routine surgery. The Jibon Tari (‘Ship of Life’) is a hospital boat which visits some of the poorest riverside communities in Bangladesh, to perform surgical operations at little or no cost. This short film follows some of the patients who undergo cataract surgery, the medical staff involved in surgery and life on the boat.
Judges’ comments
Initially sad but ultimately uplifting film shot with limpid simplicity, letting the important people tell their own story with a sincere grace. – Tim McInnerny
I really enjoyed this, and appreciate the massive amount of work which has gone into making this documentary. Iit’s documentaries like this which are important in raising awareness of issues. It’s also a massive achievement in what the doctors have been doing for free and how far they have reached so many clients using this ship. Phenomenal. – Bernard Hill
An eye-opening film in every sense, this was simply told, unflashy, unsentimental but ultimately uplifting. Clearly well-researched, with excellent access to subjects and locations, and often filming in very challenging environments. – Jim Field Smith
Another glorious subject of a floating hospital in Bangladesh. This was a simple look at the staff and the patients undergoing corrective eye operations. The uniquness of the hospital setting, an old ship, made for a very off beat documentary. – Steve Furst
Posted in: 2012 Films In Detail