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The number of children living in conflict zones is higher than ever. Serious violations of children’s rights are everyday occurrence, and the delivery of humanitarian aid is restricted, even for children. In Gaza, the collapse of water supply, healthcare, and waste management has created ideal conditions for the spread of infectious diseases, such as polio.
The documentary film Gaza’s Silent Threat shows the devastating effects of war on children and depicts the work of aid workers in some of the world’s most challenging conditions. Through their tireless efforts, they are creating hope and opportunities for the future of children.
After the documentary, James Elder, a spokesperson for Unicef, discusses what childhood is like in the world’s most severe conflicts. With hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, Elder has met children in the middle of numerous humanitarian crises in Ukraine, Sudan, and Haiti. He visited Gaza for the seventh time in early 2026. Elder is interviewed by journalist Katriina Pajari.
The documentary is subtitled in English and lasts 32 minutes.
The discussion is in English.
You can watch the documentary and the discussion at the festival’s Speaker’s Stage at Bio Rex or via livestream on the festival’s website.
James Elder
Unicef Spokesperson James Elder has met countless children living through humanitarian crises in different parts of the world — including Ukraine, Sudan and the Middle East. He visited Gaza for the seventh time in early 2026.
Katriina Pajari
Katriina Pajari is the head of correspondents at Helsingin Sanomat. She has worked as a correspondent for Helsingin Sanomat in China and in several crisis areas, such as Ukraine.
Everyone bears responsibility for this, but there is only one victim. Yesterday, today, and without meaningful action, tomorrow – Palestinian children. – James Elder
