Crossing Midnight is a 2009 documentary film directed by Kim Snyder that explores the issue of health care in southeast Asia, specifically in the border region of Thailand and Burma. The film features the stories of several individuals who seek medical treatment at the Mae Tao Clinic, a non-profit health organization that provides free care to refugees and migrant workers from Burma.
The film begins with an overview of the political conflict in Burma, which has resulted in one of the world's most protracted and brutal civil wars. Thousands of Burmese civilians have fled across the border into Thailand to escape persecution, poverty, and violence. Once in Thailand, they face numerous challenges, including limited access to healthcare, long working hours, and restrictive immigration policies.
The Mae Tao Clinic, located in the town of Mae Sot, provides a vital lifeline for many people in the region. The clinic was founded in 1989 by Dr. Cynthia Maung, a Burmese physician who fled to Thailand after the military government took over her country. Since then, the clinic has grown to serve more than 150,000 patients a year, providing everything from basic health check-ups to complex surgeries and treatments for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
The film introduces several patients who have come to the clinic for treatment. One is a young girl named Naw Eh who was born with a cleft palette. Her family cannot afford to pay for surgery, and she has been teased and ostracized by other children in her village. Another is a man named Ko Soe, who was bitten by a venomous snake while working in the fields. He has come to the clinic for antivenom treatment, which is not available in Burma.
As the film unfolds, we begin to see the challenges facing the clinic and its patients. Many of the refugees and migrant workers who rely on the clinic have no legal status in Thailand, which makes it difficult for them to access other services such as education and housing. The Thai government has also imposed strict limitations on the distribution of essential drugs such as painkillers and antibiotics, which has made it harder for the clinic to provide adequate care.
The film also highlights the personal sacrifices made by the staff of the clinic, who work long hours for little pay. Dr. Cynthia, in particular, is an inspiring figure. She is deeply committed to the welfare of her patients and has dedicated her life to their care. Despite the challenges she faces, she remains optimistic and determined to make a difference.
Throughout the film, we see the impact that the Mae Tao Clinic has had on the lives of its patients. For many, it is the only source of healthcare they have ever had. They express gratitude and admiration for the staff of the clinic, who have taken care of them with kindness and compassion.
In conclusion, Crossing Midnight is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on a critical issue. It raises important questions about healthcare access, immigration, and human rights. The film is both informative and emotionally engaging, giving a voice to those who are often ignored or forgotten. It is a testament to the courage and resilience of the human spirit.
Crossing Midnight is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.
