a global mission for healthcare equality
A Place at the Operating Table
Amidst the vibrant landscapes of Zimbabwe, “A Place at the Operating Table” offers a glimpse into the world of Dr. Thandiwe Munaiwa and other remarkable female reconstructive surgeons of the Pioneering Women in Reconstructive Surgery (PWRS) program. This documentary reveals their inspiring journey to make a lasting impact in underserved communities worldwide. It’s a story of courage, determination, and a global mission for healthcare equality.
This is not FRANK’s story, it is Thandi’s. In this film, we delve into her remarkable journey – a story that goes far beyond individual achievement. It is a poignant testament to the profound impact of dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to one’s community. She serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the impact that one individual can have on the lives of many.
Watch the trailer
U.N. Commission on the Status of Women
The film premiered at the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women in March 2024, and is now being submitted to international film festivals. By amplifying the visibility of PWRS, we increase awareness of the need and impact of this program, gaining the support to empower more women surgeons and continue driving change in the world.
Credits
Directed by:
Melissa Huerga Malillos, Alicia Dyke, and Brandon O'Larey
Researcher and Story Editor:
Stephanie Corral
Research and Writing:
Stephanie Coral, Beth Peters, Brandon O’Larey
Produced by:
Erica Tan, Eric Ford, Jahna Lenzi, Seoyeon Rothwell
Supervising Producers:
Tinga Nyoni, Thandiwe Munaiwa, Sam MacDougall, Eve Arnera, Anna Santos, Natalie Meyers, Claire Lachance
Associate Producer:
Nicole Duggan
Cast:
Dr. Thandiwe Munaiwa, Dr. Tinga Nyoni, Dr. James Chang, Dr. Amala Kulkarni, Natalie Meyers, Eve Arnera
Original Music by:
Chelsea McGough, Medhat Hanbali, Cody Kurtz Martin
Music Supervisor:
Nicholas Margiotta
Unit Production Manager:
Fallon Daly
Field Producer:
Neriser Sibanda
Director of Photography:
Andrew Kommers
Production Team:
Andrew Kommers, Melissa Huerga Malillos, Brandon O'Larey, Mishael Kuziwa Murungu, Sam Emilio, Alicia Dyke, Yana Issagholian, Bethany Ramirez, Neriser Sibanda, and additional camera Henrique Campos "Ligeiro"
Edited by:
Eli Delmato, Tyler Shanafelt
Colorist:
Alanna Hinkle
Sound Supervisor and Dialogue Editor:
Justin Millar
Graphics and Design:
Drew Kora
Creative Consultant:
Lina Lyte Plioplyte
Filmed on location in Harare, Zimbabwe, Dehradun, India, Stanford, California, Seattle, Washington, and New York City, New York.
About Frank
FRANK is a collective of artists and friends based in Seattle and New York. We are the archivists of modern aestheticism and curators of counter culture, tracking singularities that demand permanent record and presenting evidence of their memory.
What is PRWS?
There are ONLY 3 WOMEN SURGEONS for every 1 million people in low-income countries, and they often face economic and cultural barriers to gaining acceptance in their field.
SkinCeuticals partnered with ReSurge International to advance first-generation women reconstructive surgeons in underserved parts of the world. The Pioneering Women in Reconstructive Surgery (PWRS) initiative supports these inspiring women through surgical training, leadership development and mentorship networking.