On the Frontlines of Hunger

Mary’s Meals announces the global digital release of On the Frontlines of Hunger, a 57-minute documentary filmed in Tigray, Ethiopia, and London, UK, that shares an urgent story as yet left untold because of restricted media access. Available on YouTube from 5 November, the film is narrated by Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Roma Downey and features an exclusive in-depth interview with Sir Bob Geldof, rarely seen Live Aid (1985) footage, and testimoniesfrom those living and working in Tigray today.

Amid the worsening humanitarian crisis, the film shows how war, poverty, climate change, and drought have destroyed decades of progress and pushed communities back toward famine. Despite overwhelming challenges, the documentary spotlights resilience, dignity, and hope – and the heroic local efforts helping children to survive and continue to learn.

Mary’s Meals has worked in Tigray since 2017, partnering with communities to serve daily school meals and, during the recent regional conflict (November 2020 – November 2022), adapting to help children and families in extreme need. This long-standing presence enabled rare access to people and places, grounding the film in first-hand accounts.

The documentary has been screened with opinion-formers and media in the UK, including a special showing at Westminster (UK Parliament) and a premiere at the Frontline Club, London, to mark 40 years since Live Aid and to bring renewed focus to a crisis still absent from many headlines.

Earlier this year, On the Frontlines of Hunger made its world premiere at the Sarasota Film Festival (USA), where audiences and programmers praised its access and urgency. The global YouTube launch on 5 November makes the film freely available so viewers all over the world can watch, share, and take action.