The Chicago Cultural Center will hold a free screening of the documentary Brink of Survival, which features Presbyterian mission co-worker Dr. Martha Sommers, on Friday, September 21. The film, shot on location in Malawi, southeast Africa, where Sommers has practiced medicine since 1997, takes viewers inside a small rural hospital struggling to care for more than 120,000 people, all nearly free of charge, with just one doctor. It documents the impact of HIV/AIDS, poverty, and the status of women on maternal-child health in one of the world’s poorest countries.

Sommers is currently one of two long-term doctors at Ekwendeni Hospital as well as the training site coordinator for family medicine students. She was formerly medical director of Embangweni Hospital and was the only doctor serving more than 120,000 people.

This event is presented by Personal Hermitage Productions in partnership with the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, this event features an audience discussion with Sommers and the director, Salome Chasnoff.

The reception takes place at 5:30 p.m. CDT and the screening of the 80-minute film is at 6:30. Read more about the event here.

See the video trailer here

View the Facebook pages for Brink of Survival here, here, and here.  

Support Martha Sommers' work with your prayers and financial gifts.