Private Project

Trauma: The New Epidemic

"Trauma: The New Epidemic" follows the journey of Dr. Abiy and Dr. Solomon, two of six orthopedic trauma surgeons serving the entire country of Ethiopia, as they take part in an international physician fellowship program in Kansas City, Kansas. Together with Dr. Heddings of the KU School of Medicine, they take on the challenge of combating the trauma epidemic in their homeland. This film is a moving portrayal of the need of global collaborative medical innovation, and how trying to solve problems on a global scale can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes here at home.

  • Matthew Jacobson
    Director
    C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America, Bukowski: Born Into This, The Only Good Indian, Chasing Chasing Amy
  • Backer Hamada
    Director
  • Backer Hamada
    Writer
  • Matthew Jacobson
    Writer
  • Matt Jacobson
    Producer
    The Hardest Thing to Earn (2015), Destination to Planet Negro (2013), 30 Seconds to Midnight (2011), Rearview Mirror (2011), Room Next Door (2011), The Nuclear Standard (2010), Air: The Musical (2010), Candy (2009), C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America (2004), The Fascist of X-Mart (2003), Cupid and Psycho (1996), Opportunity (1987)
  • Backer Hamada
    Producer
  • Archie Heddings
    Key Cast
    "Orthopedic Surgeon"
  • Solomon Goshu
    Key Cast
    "Orthopedic Fellow"
  • Abiy Worku
    Key Cast
    "Orthopedic Fellow"
  • Kimberly Connelly
    Key Cast
    "International Administration"
  • Addisu Deribe
    Key Cast
    "Orthopedic Surgeon"
  • Jake Enos
    Key Cast
    "Orthopedic Surgeon"
  • Netsanet Mengiste
    Key Cast
    "Head of Orthopedics"
  • Kara Winkler
    Key Cast
    "Orthopedic Nurse"
  • Helina Teshome Kefyalew
    Key Cast
    "Orthopedic Nurse"
  • Lauri Spiresweet
    Key Cast
    "Orthopedic Nurse"
  • Ravali Reddy
    Key Cast
    "Medical Student"
  • Austin Gartner
    Key Cast
    "Medical Student"
  • Jack Ayres
    Key Cast
    "Orthopedic Resident"
  • Sterling Anderson
    Production Assistant
  • Gonzalo Arzamendia
    Production Assistant
  • Delilah Begay
    Production Assistant
  • Cash Erikson
    Production Assistant
  • Vichie Hou
    Production Assistant
  • Brandon Luck
    Production Assistant
  • Kyle McBride
    Production Assistant
  • Casey Watson
    Production Assistant
  • Archie Heddings
    Executive Producers
  • Brad Thomas
    Executive Producers
  • Michelle Thomas
    Executive Producers
  • Matthew Jacobson
    Camera
    The Heroic True-Life Adventures of Alvin Brooks, No Place Like Home, William Allen White: What's the Matter with Kansas, The Square Root, The Profit, Sketches, Jayhawkers, Destination Planet Negro, The Only Good Indian, The Battle for Bunker Hill, C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America, Bukowski: Born into This, Computer Illusions, Beestung
  • Backer Hamada
    Camera
  • Cash Erikson
    Camera
  • Brandon Luck
    Camera
  • Casey Watson
    Camera
  • Betsy Armstrong
    Camera
  • Backer Hamada
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Healthcare, Medical, Humanitarian, Educational, Social, African
  • Runtime:
    32 minutes 56 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 11, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Ethiopia, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Matthew Jacobson, Backer Hamada

Matthew Jacobson is a Professor of Film and Media Studies at the University of Kansas. He earned his M.F.A. in Film and Video Production from the University of Southern California. Before joining academia, he worked in the Los Angeles film and video industry, collaborating with notable directors and actors. Since 1999, Matt has been a faculty member at KU, where he teaches various film production courses, including Experimental Film, Music Video Production, and Cinematography. Matt Jacobson has more than 50 feature film and video credits, including two Sundance Film Festival features, Kevin Willmott's CSA: Confederate States of America, and Bukowski: Born Into This, directed by John Dullaghan.

Backer Hamada, born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, graduated in 2023 with a degree in Film and Media Production at the University of Kansas. As a student, Backer served on KJHK's Executive Board as the Video Director, worked for KU Marketing as a PA, and did various contract work. He now serves as the Director of Marketing for IOTC where he built the organization’s marketing department through media production, social media, web design, and fundraising. Backer is passionate about using his media abilities to present unbiased global perspectives and create meaningful impact.

Add Director Biography