The Heart of Nuba

Announcement

Please join the Sudan and South Sudan Caucus and the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a film screening followed by a panel discussion of The Heart of Nuba, a film that explores the work of American surgeon Dr. Tom Catena in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan.

The Nuba Mountains, located in South Kordofan, Sudan, are home to the indigenous ethnic groups known collectively as the Nuba peoples. During the internal armed conflict that began in Sudan in 1983, the Nuba peoples sided with the rebel forces of the south fighting against Khartoum, and suffered tremendously as a consequence. But the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement excluded the Nuba from the 2011 referendum that led to the formation of the new state of South Sudan, leaving the Nuba people at the mercy of the government of Omar al Bashir, a man wanted by the International Criminal Court for committing crimes against humanity and war crimes. In June of 2011 war broke out between the Nuba and Khartoum, and has continued unabated since.

The only surgeon within 200 miles, Dr. Tom Catena does his best to save lives in the midst of the carnage and terror of the conflict, treating as many as 400 patients a day at Mother of Mercy Hospital, nestled in the heart of the Nuba Mountains. Surrounded by a country at war, living under the constant shadow of aerial bombardment, Dr. Tom and his mostly local staff defy Bashir’s ban on humanitarian aid, and work tirelessly to serve the Nuba people, a population of one million Muslims, Christians, Animists and Africans of traditional belief who have lived together harmoniously for centuries. The Heart of Nuba is a 93-minute documentary that tells the story of their struggle for survival.

Following the screening, the film’s director and producer will be available for questions and discussion.

The screening and panel discussion will be open to members of Congress, congressional staff, the interested public and the media. For any questions, please contact Eliza Ramirez (for Rep. Capuano) at 202-225-5111 or Eliza.Ramirez@mail.house.gov, or Cindy Buhl (for Rep. McGovern) at 202-225-6101 or Cindy.Buhl@mail.house.gov.

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