Patient

A Colombian mother fighting the labyrinths of the health system

Patient examines the complex reality of the Colombian health system through the experience of Nubia, a mother who accompanies her daughter as she faces an aggressive form of cancer. In Colombia, the word patient refers not only to those who suffer from an illness but also to those who must follow medical instructions, wait for long periods and confront administrative processes that can determine access to essential care. The film explores this double meaning from an intimate observational perspective, focusing on Nubia as she navigates a demanding sequence of procedures, authorisation requests and delays that shape her daughter’s treatment.

Within a system in which users often encounter absurd bureaucratic barriers, the idea of the patient expands to include caregivers who assume the responsibility of ensuring that their loved ones receive what they need. Nubia lives with the constant fear of losing her daughter, yet she remains steadfast through every appointment and decision, aware that her persistence is vital for her daughter’s survival. The camera observes this quiet daily struggle, revealing a form of resilience forged amid uncertainty and emotional pressure.

Directed by Jorge Caballero, Patient offers a reflection on illness, care and waiting. The documentary presents a clear and human portrait of life within a flawed institutional structure where the wellbeing of a family depends on the ability to overcome the labyrinths imposed by the health system processes.