PHOTO CREDIT: VINCENZO BRUNO
A team attempts 12 life-saving pediatric heart surgeries in a single week & empowers Haiti to be more self-sustaining.
open hearts
synopsis
In the developing country of Haiti, Dr. Jeff Kempf and an international team of doctors attempt to save 12 children with pediatric heart surgery in a single week, while simultaneously challenging conventional approaches to charity through empowering St. Damien Pediatric Hospital towards self-sufficiency.
Open Hearts pulls back the curtain on everything from logistical coordination to the symphony of open heart surgery, revealing a detailed world that few outside of the profession ever get to see.
But when complications arise, the abilities of these medical professionals are put to the test.
This renewed approach to global partnership has transformed pediatric cardiac care in Haiti by helping to train its first pediatric cardiologist, and enabling St. Damien to become the first hospital in Haiti capable of treating children with heart disease!
“Charity” must change, and this striking example of humanity and excellence draws you in while challenging what it looks like to “lend a hand”.
Travis Pollert
Director, Executive Producer
Jacob Kostelli
Director, Cinematographer
Joseph Jurecki
Producer, Editor
Dr. Jeff Kempf
Physician, Producer
Ken Fogle
Producer
Dr. Brittany Potts
Physician, Producer
Media Coverage
Chagrin Documentary Film Fest with Cribbs in the Cleveland by 19 News
Chagrin Documentary Film Festival Awards Ceremony 2021
Chagrin Documentary Film Festival "Live on Main" Panel Discussion
Chagrin Documentary Film Festival Ready to Showcase Diverse Works by Cleveland 19 News
'Open Hearts' documentary hopes to inspire change in charity while screening at CIFF by WKYC
Cleveland International Film Festival announces 2021 award winners by Cleveland.com
Documentary features life-saving heart surgeries by Akron Children's doctors by Akron Beacon Journal
Cleveland International Film Festival Shows Off Northeast Ohio with 'Local Heroes' by WKSU
CIFF Speaks Podcast S3E9 by Cleveland International Film Festival
A Conversation with “Open Hearts” Team by MedWish
Open Hearts Documentary Broadcast at Cleveland International Film Festival by Ohio News Time