Body Team 12 is a documentary film directed by David Darg that tells the story of the titular team of Liberian Red Cross workers who were tasked with collecting dead bodies during the 2014 Ebola epidemic in West Africa. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2015 and was subsequently released on HBO. The film begins by introducing the viewer to the members of Body Team 12, a group of young Liberian men and women who are on the front lines of the Ebola outbreak. We see them suit up in full protective gear, including masks, gloves, and goggles, before venturing out into the streets of Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, to collect the bodies of those who have died from the virus. The bodies are loaded onto trucks and taken to crematoriums, where they are burned to prevent the spread of Ebola.
Throughout the film, we follow the members of Body Team 12 as they carry out their dangerous work. We see them interact with grieving family members, who sometimes resist the team's efforts to collect their loved ones' bodies. We also see the toll that the work takes on the team members themselves. They are acutely aware of the risks they are taking, and are constantly vigilant for any signs of infection. One team member tells the camera that he is afraid to hold his newborn daughter, for fear of passing on the virus.
Interwoven with the footage of Body Team 12's work are interviews with several of the team members, who describe their experiences during the Ebola outbreak. Some talk about how their families and communities initially shunned them because of their work, fearing that they too were infected with the virus. Others describe the emotional toll of dealing with death on a daily basis. One team member breaks down in tears as she talks about a young girl who had died of Ebola, saying that she had reminded her of her own daughter.
The film also touches on the international response to the Ebola epidemic. We see footage of aid workers and journalists arriving in Liberia, many of whom wear less protective gear than the members of Body Team 12. This highlights the disparity between the resources available to Western aid organizations and those available to local teams on the ground.
Throughout the film, we are reminded of the scale of the Ebola epidemic. Statistics flash up on the screen at regular intervals, showing the number of cases and deaths in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. We also see news footage of the outbreak spreading to other parts of the world, including the United States.
Despite the bleak subject matter, Body Team 12 is ultimately a film about hope. The members of Body Team 12 are presented as heroes, who risked their own lives to help their fellow Liberians. Their determination and bravery in the face of unimaginable horrors is nothing short of inspiring. The film ends on a positive note, with footage of Liberia's President Sirleaf praising the team's efforts and expressing her gratitude for their work.
In conclusion, Body Team 12 is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on a little-known aspect of the Ebola epidemic. Through its depiction of the work of the Liberian Red Cross, the film highlights the importance of local initiatives in combating global health crises. It is a tribute to the bravery and humanity of those who risked everything to help others in their time of need.
