Long Night - Film Screening (EN/DE)

"Long Night" by Lynzy Billing
40 minutes
Language: English and Pashto, with German subtitles
Country: Afghanistan/UK

In 2024, Lynzy Billing returned to Afghanistan. She wanted to show the conflict up close, with the voices of the Afghan doctors, the nurses from EMERGENCY and with the experiences of her patients. This is how the documentary “Long Night” was created. The title refers to the many nights in which "mass casualties" occurred: a sudden influx of dozens of seriously injured people after explosions or attacks who are hospitalized at the same time.

From Kabul via the Panjshir Valley to Helmand Province, the film shows everyday life in war and the work of EMERGENCY, a medical aid organization that has been active in the country for 26 years and provides free surgical and medical care for civilian victims of war offers.


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Lynzy Billing is a British investigative journalist of Afghan-Pakistani origins. She has been awarded the Emmy three times.

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EMERGENCY's work in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has been characterized by instability and war for 45 years. Over a million people were killed and hundreds of thousands were injured or permanently disabled; millions had to flee. The consequences of previous conflicts are still visible today: landmines and unexploded explosive devices continue to primarily affect civilians, especially children.

The country is also experiencing a serious economic crisis today. More than 14 million people are at risk of hunger. Almost half of the population lives below the poverty line and access to medical care is particularly difficult in rural areas. Maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the world.

EMERGENCY hospitals have never closed in 26 years. They continue to provide free medical and surgical care.

EMERGENCY has been operating in Afghanistan since 1999. Since then, the organization has treated more than 8 million people while training local medical professionals. Today, EMERGENCY operates two surgical centers for war victims in Kabul and Lashkar-Gah, a surgical and pediatric center and a maternity center in Anabah in the Panjshir Valley, and a network of more than 40 first aid posts across the country.