Film Lens
The Waiting Room is a documentary that follows patients, doctors, and staff at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California, a safety-net hospital serving a largely uninsured community. The film captures the daily realities of life in a public hospital, emphasizing the stories of those who navigate the healthcare system without insurance. It includes a blog that features real-time stories and conversations from the waiting room, along with behind-the-scenes insights into the project.
The project also incorporates interactive storytelling booths in hospital waiting areas, which collect and share testimonials from uninsured individuals. This initiative aims to create an archive of personal stories that contribute to the national dialogue about healthcare access and urgency. The film is directed by Peter Nicks and runs for 81 minutes, providing an intimate look at the experiences within the hospital setting.
Why Watch
- •Meet patients at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California.
- •Follow real stories from uninsured individuals in waiting rooms.
- •See behind-the-scenes insights into a public hospital.
Did You Know
•The film was named the third best film of 2012 by Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post.
•The Waiting Room has a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 34 reviews.
•The project includes interactive storytelling booths placed in hospital waiting rooms.
•The documentary is funded by multiple organizations, including the MacArthur Foundation.
Perfect For
Healthcare accessPublic health issuesDocumentary enthusiasts