Beating Superbugs: Can We Win?

Beating Superbugs: Can We Win?, a feature-length documentary, presents an accessible, in-depth, true-to-fact message with a touch of mystery and suspense throughout: CAN we, in fact, beat superbugs--antibiotic-resistant bacteria? The film's solutions-driven emphasis underlies even the most dire of its parts. Through dramatic first-hand victim stories, this sober yet positive thread becomes even more apparent in interviews with dedicated experts in science, economics, government and the pharmaceutical industry. A well-informed narrator unites connecting facts with supporting visuals, including many original animations. This voice also periodically gives viewers clues about ways in which their personal habits and support of public efforts (government initiatives, pending legislation, independent foundations) can bring them into the superbug fight. Superbugs share a global crisis status with COVID-19. So far, a quantity of the known patient deaths in this viral pandemic have been linked to bacterial infections. Their predictable presence as partners in coming pandemics, and on their own, cannot be ignored.  But ingenious counterattacks are either in place or are emerging. International leaders in multiple fields are separately and together bringing innovative strategies and tactics to the battle. Such efforts, empowered by citizens everywhere, have a good chance to stem a dire prediction: if unchecked by mid-century, superbugs could surpass cancer as the No. 1 cause of human death worldwide.