Polio documentary to release during world immunization week

Every Last Child’ to screen for free to raise awareness of the ongoing battle to end Polio

Abu Dhabi 20, April 2015: To coincide with World Immunization Week (April 24 – 30), Image Nation will release its emotional and uplifting documentary Every Last Child in theatres in the UAE.

The film, which premiered at the acclaimed DOC NYC festival last November, was created to support the UAE’s commitment to Polio eradication, including the Pakistan Assistance Program’s efforts to vaccinate millions of vulnerable children in hard-to-reach areas of Pakistan.

Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of Image Nation Abu Dhabi said: “We are so pleased to be part of this important campaign and the groundbreaking work the UAE to doing in support of Polio eradication.  It is only fitting that our film will launch during World Immunization Week, enabling the UAE public to get involved in the fight to eradicate this horrible disease.”

Every Last Child, directed by award-winning filmmaker Tom Roberts, follows the harrowing stories of five people – including vaccinators, parents and health care workers – who are caught up in the current polio crisis in Pakistan. This will be the first time the film has screened in the UAE.

Tom Roberts, said on creating the film: “When I was first asked to make this film, I thought to myself: ‘why? Polio has been gone for years.’ But it’s not.  Until it is completely eradicated it can continue to spread like wildfire and this crippling disease will ruin lives for generations to come.”

It was recently announced that Zeitgeist Films have acquired the rights to Every Last Child for the United States, bringing international attention to the film. The film will be released in US theatres this June.

Roberts said: “I’m hoping the audiences who see this film will be enlightened to this ongoing battle and will help us to spread awareness to wider public."

From April 23 until 25, VOX Cinemas will screen the film for a limited time at theatres in Dubai (Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre) and Abu Dhabi (Yas Mall). Tickets will be completely free of charge, thanks to VOX Cinemas who will be waiving the fee in observance of World Immunization Week.

VOX Cinemas spokesman Cameron Mitchell said “We are thankful for the opportunity to support not just a very important cause, but also a great film. Image Nation and director Tom Roberts have made a thought provoking and emotional film and we are proud to welcome the UAE public in our theatres to share the experience and get actively involved in the fight against polio.”

In addition to the film’s release, Image Nation are running an outreach program for the large Pakistani expatriate community in the UAE. During World Immunization Week, campaign materials carrying the World Health Organization (WHO) ‘Close the Immunization Gap’ message in Arabic and Urdu will be released to labor accommodations, schools and taxi businesses throughout the UAE.