Watch The Heart of Nuba

The Heart of Nuba is a 2016 documentary film directed by Kenneth A. Carlson. The film revolves around the life and work of Dr. Tom Catena, who has dedicated his life to treating patients in a remote and war-torn region of Sudan. Dr. Catena is the only doctor serving over 750,000 people in the Nuba Mountains, an area that has been bombed by the Sudanese government for years. Dr. Catena's humanitarian work has earned him the respect and admiration of the local community, who call him "Doctor Tom" and view him as a hero.

The documentary begins with Dr. Catena's arrival in the Nuba Mountains in 2008. He was originally supposed to stay for just six months, but he quickly realized that the need for medical care was much greater than he anticipated, and decided to stay for the long haul. The film then delves into the daily struggles that Dr. Catena faces while providing medical care to the people of the Nuba Mountains. He has to work with very limited resources, and is constantly in danger of being bombed by the Sudanese government. Despite the challenges, Dr. Catena remains committed to his work, and his patients see him as a beacon of hope in an otherwise desperate situation.

Throughout the film, we learn more about Dr. Catena's background and what drew him to a life in medicine. He grew up in upstate New York, the son of a surgeon, and was inspired by his father's work. After studying medicine at Duke University, Dr. Catena worked as a doctor in rural Kenya and then as a surgeon in a hospital in New Jersey. However, he grew frustrated with the bureaucracy and politics of the healthcare industry, and felt drawn to a life of service in a more remote and challenging setting.

The Heart of Nuba does not shy away from the horrors of war, and we see the devastating impact that the conflict has had on the people of the Nuba Mountains. The Sudanese government has targeted the region with a relentless bombing campaign, and many of Dr. Catena's patients have been injured or maimed in the attacks. The film also shows the impact that the conflict has had on everyday life in the Nuba Mountains - schools have been destroyed, food is scarce, and people live in constant fear of being bombed.

Despite the bleak situation, The Heart of Nuba is ultimately a story of hope and resilience. Dr. Catena's tireless commitment to his patients is truly inspiring, and the film shows the deep bond that he has formed with the people of the Nuba Mountains. We see him performing surgery, spending time with his patients, and even playing soccer with the local children. His dedication to his work is a powerful reminder of the impact that one person can have on the world.

The film also features interviews with Dr. Catena's family, including his parents and siblings. They talk about the challenges of having a family member working in such a dangerous and remote area, as well as their pride in his accomplishments. The interviews provide a personal touch to the film, and give the audience a deeper understanding of Dr. Catena's motivations and character.

Overall, The Heart of Nuba is a moving and uplifting documentary that highlights the critical work being done by humanitarian workers in some of the world's most challenging locations. Dr. Catena's dedication to his patients is truly awe-inspiring, and the film serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The Heart of Nuba is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3 and a MetaScore of 66.