Zemene is a documentary about how chance, circumstance and human good will radically transformed the life of a young Ethiopian girl, Zemenework.
When we meet Zemene, she is afflicted by a rare form of Kyphosis, a life threatening curving of the spine that causes hunchback and compression of the spinal cord and in the end stages would crush her vital organs.
With virtually no access to healthcare in her village, Zemene and her uncle makes their way to the city of Gondar hoping to find help. Once there, there is no help to be had - no one has the expertise or technology to do anything for Zemene.
Despairing, they start out on the journey home, when Dr. Rick Hodes spots the small crooked girl on the street and inquires. What follows is that Zemene finds herself in the care of possibly the one and only person who can save her life and enable her to live a full and complete life.
Dr. Rick Hodes is an Orthodox Jew who has devoted his life to “tikkun olam,” “healing the world.” Dr. Rick has spent most of his professional life working with the poor and sick in Ethiopia, treating hundreds of patients, including Zemene, and provided the needed care to ensure their survival.
Zemene is the amazing story of two journeys - Dr Hodes, who's lifework compels him to "help the people no one else is interested in helping" and Zemene, who's strength of spirit and refusal to perish helps determine her fate. It is about the miraculous crossing of paths.
For more information on this documentary, please contact Melissa Donovan, thank you!
Melissa Donovan
Director/Cinematographer
c. 917.723.6364
lissad@me.com
zemenefilm.com