We Heard the Bells: The Influenza of 1918

The film features testimonies from individuals who lived through the 1918 flu pandemic, highlighting the devastating effects on young adults and marginalized groups. It examines the origins of the virus and the factors contributing to its high mortality rate, providing insight into why this pandemic was so lethal.

Through a historical lens, We Heard the Bells follows a 1951 expedition to Alaska, where scientists collected tissue samples from bodies preserved in permafrost. This research is tied to ongoing efforts by modern scientists and epidemiologists to understand pandemic threats today. The documentary emphasizes the importance of studying past pandemics to inform current public health strategies and prevention efforts.