The Children Of Leros

Directed by Jane Gabriel

“This is their chance to have a life.” In 1992, 165 children were living in inhuman conditions in Leros. Those who had arrived as babies had never learned to walk, to dress, or to feed themselves. This documentary follows the young Greek medics who moved in to reform the asylum. They were astonished at the determination of the children, some of who had been chained to their beds for years, to improve their lives. A model ward was set up, and children were unchained. Within months some, like Andreas, were able to play games outside for the first time in their lives.