Since early October 2023, the Middle East has been engulfed in devastating conflict, as violence between Gaza, Israel, and Lebanon has claimed countless lives and displaced millions. Amidst this tragedy, World Central Kitchen (WCK), a nonprofit organization founded by renowned chef José Andrés, stepped in to offer an invaluable lifeline: hot, nourishing meals for the displaced. The video Humanity First: One Year in the Middle East, produced and directed by Alicia Sully, co-founder of What Took You So Long?, in collaboration with DDC, offers a raw and emotional reflection on WCK’s monumental efforts to feed those in crisis.
Alicia Sully, an experienced filmmaker and WCK’S cinematographer since its founding, captures the heart-wrenching realities on the ground in Gaza, where relentless shelling, ground offensives, and a long-standing blockade have devastated local infrastructure and access to essentials like food and water. The documentary chronicles WCK’s response over the course of a year, showing how the organization adapted to meet the needs of displaced families across Gaza, Israel, and Lebanon. Through the eyes of WCK volunteers, chefs, and local partners, Humanity First not only documents the scale of suffering but also illuminates the resilience of the human spirit.
The most striking aspect of the film is WCK’s ability to operate in the face of insurmountable challenges. With international staff evacuated from Gaza for safety reasons, WCK pivoted to building and supporting local, Palestinian-led community kitchens. The organization established four large-capacity field kitchens across southern and central Gaza, providing millions of meals via land, sea, and air. Despite a near-total media blackout on humanitarian work in Gaza, the film highlights how WCK’s efforts have reached nearly two million people, illustrating a story of hope surrounded by widespread devastation.
For Alicia, the film’s production was both a professional and deeply personal journey. “I cried all the time making this film,” she reflects. Working on the project wasn’t just about compiling footage—it was about making sense of immense tragedy. Seven of her colleagues were killed during the conflict, and the weight of their loss is palpable in the film’s emotional tone. "We saw ourselves there," Sully says. "It could have been any of us. I think it's very important for us to be able to get it to as many people as we can within our networks, that we know do something similar or are also inside of stories and actions”.
A key figure in the film is José Andrés, Founder and Chief Feeding Officer, whose voiceover guides the narrative, offering a steady reminder of WCK’s mission: to provide real food in real time to people facing unimaginable hardship. The documentary underscores the logistical hurdles WCK overcame, from airdropping supplies to navigating international politics. The risks involved were staggering, with workers’ lives on the line as they transported food to war zones.
The collaborative effort behind the documentary reflects the same spirit of teamwork that drives WCK’s mission. Alicia acknowledges DDC’s vital role helping her manage and organize a year's worth of footage. She notes the complexity of capturing not only the logistical triumphs of WCK but also the profound human experiences on the ground. Despite tight deadlines and an overwhelming amount of material, the team successfully shaped the film into a moving testament to resilience and solidarity.