Director Quit ABC to Fund Gaza Healthcare Documentary

Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist Poh Si Teng resigned from her executive position at ABC and depleted her personal savings to produce a documentary focusing on the dire healthcare situation in Gaza. The catalyst for her decision was the death of her colleague, Samer Abu Daqqa, who was killed in an Israeli drone strike in December 2023 while on assignment. Teng described the profound impact of losing a peer, stating, "When it’s your peer, it affects you in a very deep way." This personal loss, coupled with her ongoing awareness of the humanitarian crisis, compelled her to take direct action.

Prior to this, Teng had a distinguished career, including her work on "American Doctor," which earned her an Emmy award. Her role at ABC involved significant responsibilities, but the urgency of the situation in Gaza outweighed her professional commitments. The documentary aims to shed light on the experiences of healthcare workers operating under extreme duress, facing shortages of medical supplies, infrastructure damage, and constant threats to their safety. Teng's personal investment signifies a deep commitment to amplifying the voices and stories of those on the front lines of the conflict.

The film's production involved navigating immense logistical and security challenges inherent in documenting events within a conflict zone. Teng's decision to fund the project largely through her own resources underscores the perceived lack of adequate coverage and support for the humanitarian narrative she sought to capture. The documentary intends to provide a raw and unfiltered look at the resilience and dedication of Gaza's medical professionals amidst overwhelming adversity, highlighting the critical need for international attention and aid.

By leaving a stable executive position and investing her own finances, Poh Si Teng has positioned herself as an independent storyteller driven by a powerful sense of purpose. Her work seeks to bridge the gap between global awareness and the on-the-ground realities faced by healthcare providers in Gaza, aiming to foster greater understanding and potentially influence humanitarian responses. The documentary's creation represents a significant personal sacrifice and a bold artistic statement on the importance of bearing witness to critical human rights issues.