“When you’re a heart surgeon, that’s what you do… If you are his wife, you tag along and find something useful to do.”

The Doctor’s Wife is a documentary that shows the humanity of everyday Palestinians, pre 2022, as told through the eyes of a retired NZ heart surgeon, his wife and two committed female filmmakers who were told in 2006 that no one cares about old people, sick Palestinian children or Palestine. While Dr Alan was operating, Hazel took herself all over the West Bank and Gaza, volunteering to help in refugee camps, schools and community centres.

After retiring from a distinguished career as a cardiac surgeon in New Zealand, Dr Alan Kerr led a Kiwi team to Gaza and the West Bank to operate on children with heart disease. What started as a two-week visit became an enduring 20-year commitment to Palestine, involving 40 medical missions to Gaza and the West Bank and hundreds of operations.

After the film, we will hold a talk that traces the history and geography of Palestine from the period before 1948 to the present day, offering a more in-depth insight into the struggle Palestinians face every day to keep their rich history and culture alive. This includes continuing with Olive harvesting.

Due to limited venue seating, we ask that you please bring along your own chair, bean bag, or pillow to ensure you have a comfortable spot.

We hope you can join us for an afternoon of history, solidarity and community.