Global Health Film Days: Survivors / Decolonising global health in practice

About the film
Survivors is not just a film about Ebola. It’s a film that invites you to question how a lot of countries, especially African countries, are often presented and represented in European media. Made by Sierra Leonean filmmaker Arthur Pratt, it shows the lives, realities and perspectives of Sierra Leoneans during a crisis: their struggles against an epidemic, to find something to trust and believe in, but also their strength and resilience in facing this crisis. It discusses the role of science, the role of government, the role of religion. The role of local professionals, and of foreign aid. Survivors is a film that invites you to question how countries and individuals interact on the global stage, whether in health-related or other questions. It does not shy away from showing still-existing power dynamics that trail in the footsteps of colonial exploitation. Through the lens of one health crisis that most of us have probably forgotten by now, it explores how we understand Global Health and development today – and it challenges us, in rich countries like Denmark, to do better. Come along for the journey, and join us as we question how health, medicine, and cooperation can become more truly, and equitably, global.

Director: Anna Fitch, Lansana Mansaray, Arthur PrattSierra Leone, USA, 2018
87 min., English subtitles
Allowed over 15 years

Event
After watching the film, we will engage in a discussion on ‘How (not) to engage in international aid: Decolonising global health in practice’. The term ‘decolonization’ has flown around a lot in recent years, but what does it mean outside an academic context? How can high-income countries and their institutions use their privileged position on the world stage and the resources they have access to to right historical – and present – wrongs? We invite speakers from the field of humanitarian aid and academic researchers to an open debate with the audience, including an interactive activity for everyone to join in. You don’t need to be an expert to participate in decolonization, as long as you are willing to listen and learn! The event will be in English.