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After Tiller
Since the assassination of Dr. George Tiller in Kansas in May 2009, there are only four American doctors left who openly provide third-trimester abortions. AFTER TILLER paints a complex, compassionate portrait of these physicians -- Dr. LeRoy Carhart, Dr. Warren Hern, Dr. Susan Robinson and Dr. Shelley Sella -- wh...
Since the assassination of Dr. George Tiller in Kansas in May 2009, there are only four American doctors left who openly provide third-trimester abortions. AFTER TILLER paints a complex, compassionate portrait of these physicians -- Dr. LeRoy Carhart, Dr. Warren Hern, Dr. Susan Robinson and Dr. Shelley Sella -- who have become the new number-one targets of the anti-abortion movement, yet continue to risk their lives every day to do work that many...
Since the assassination of Dr. George Tiller in Kansas in May 2009, there are only four American doctors left who openly provide third-trimester abortions. AFTER TILLER paints a complex, compassionate portrait of these physicians -- Dr. LeRoy Carhart, Dr. Warren Hern, Dr. Susan Robinson and Dr. Shelley Sella -- who have become the new number-one targets of the anti-abortion movement, yet continue to risk their lives every day to do work that many believe is murder, but which they believe is profoundly important for their patients' lives. The film weaves together revealing, in-depth interviews with the doctors with intimate verite scenes from their lives and inside their clinics, where they counsel and care for their anxious, vulnerable patients at an important crossroads in their lives. By sharing the moving stories of several of these patients, AFTER TILLER illuminates the experiences of women who seek late abortions and the reasons why they do so.
Sheds a humanistic light on the heated abortion debate by going inside the lives of the last four doctors in America who openly provide third-trimester abortions and the reasons their patients seek them.
'A rare and honest look inside abortion clinics. Like a fly on the wall, you hear women, and men with them, speaking of why they are there for a late-term abortion. Their doctors are deeply thoughtful and deeply caring. Providers tell why they are committed to providing abortion. Doctors hug patients over and over again! An incredible, surprising, and moving film. Valuable for classroom use for accurate information and discussion in health and medical studies, social sciences, philosophy, women's studies, college and high school.' Leslie J. Reagan, Professor of Gender and Women's Studies, Professor of History, University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign, Author, When Abortion Was a Crime and Dangerous Pregnancies
'One of the most remarkable things about the superb new documentary film After Tiller...is that it was made at all...The young filmmakers gained extraordinary access to four abortion providers - access which includes not only extensive coverage of their abortion practices but, even more unusually, their family lives as well...After Tiller makes clear how profoundly gratifying it is to be of service to these women-and to continue the journey of their mentor and friend.' Carole Joffe, Professor, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California - San Francisco, Author of Dispatches from the Abortion Wars: The Costs of Fanaticism to Doctors, Patients, and the Rest of Us
'A powerful, elegantly crafted documentary...I was left with profound empathy for the providers who carry on despite continual threats of violence and an extreme toll on their personal lives and those of their families. I was moved by the stories of women who make the heart-breaking decision to end their pregnancies. The film does not supply pat or easy answers but fully displays the complex ethical issues that each woman faces as experts on their own lives. This film is a must-see for those interested in women's health issues and reproductive rights. It is appropriate for high school and college audiences.' Dr. Heather Munro Prescott, Professor of History, Central Connecticut State University, Author, The Morning After: A History of Emergency Contraception in the United States
'After Tiller presents an eye-opening, gentle account of the often trying circumstances that lead to pregnancy termination and the lengths that a handful of providers must go through to ensure that women have access to safe procedures when necessary. It will change your understanding of the reality of late-term abortion in the U.S.' Elena Gutierrez, Associate Professor, Gender and Women's Studies, University of Illinois, Co-author, Undivided Rights: Women of Color Organizing for Reproductive Justice
'Highly Recommended...Throughout the film, the filmmakers highlight each doctor's tremendous compassion for their patients and show their dedication to continuing Dr. Tiller's work despite death threats and constant protests from pro-life advocates. Although the film has a pro-choice slant, the divisive subject of abortion is handled with great sensitivity. Footage of the doctors talking with their patients before and after their procedures make it clear that the decision to give an abortion and the decision to have an abortion is a very serious and often heartbreaking one. After Tiller is recommended for mature audiences in high school health classes and students interested in medical ethics, medical humanities, or obstetrics.' Nell Aronoff, University at Buffalo, Educational Media Reviews Online
'An intimate glimpse into actual clinics as doctors, staff, and patients struggle with moral quandaries and cultural pressure while grappling with their incredibly personal decisions...For libraries that want to cover every angle of this still controversial issue, After Tiller is an important, sensitive, clear-eyed look at doctors and clinics in the center of the storm.' Joshua Peck, Palos Verdes Library District, Library Journal
'A powerful and provocative documentary about the abortion wars, this is highly recommended.' C. Cassady, Video Librarian
'The film captures the cruel irony that anti-abortionists work so hard to obscure from themselves, that their compassion for unborn children can only exist by disregarding or downplaying their compassion for the parents those children belong to. On the extreme end of an already touchy subject, After Tiller is elegantly simple, finding an emotional truth that might help put people in others' shoes, rather than preaching to the choir...Highly recommended.' Tyler Foster, DVD Talk
'Whether one is pro-life, pro-choice or without an opinion on the issue, After Tiller provides personal insight into a heart-wrenching, complex reality. The film does not pretend to be an answer to the abortion controversy but rather a presentation of the people who are demonized, correctly or incorrectly, for their actions.' The Hollywood Reporter
'Debuting helmers Martha Shane and Lana Wilson manage a rare feat in After Tiller, making a calm, humanist documentary about a hot-button topic...Well contextualized and sensitively shot with extraordinary access, the pic reflects the personal, moral and ethical struggles of the doctors as well as their patients, and deserves the widest possible audience.' Variety
'Intimate and heartfelt...Brings an emotional clarity to an issue in which every nuanced turn of phrase has been made politically complicated.' The Los Angeles Times
'Extraordinarily compassionate and thought-provoking...An important film that looks unblinkingly at an important subject.' FlavorWire
'One of the most courageous pieces of filmmaking I've ever seen. The film takes the issue out of pulpit/talk show screaming-match format and engages viewers' hearts and minds, reminding us why we need to make and watch documentary films at all.' Fandor
'One of the most emotionally wrenching and powerful non-fiction pieces this year.' Hollywood Chicago
'An intelligent, nuanced, and sensitive portrait of the last four remaining doctors in the U.S. who perform third-trimester abortions.' Indiewire
'A+! A terrific documentary that handles sensitively this controversial and heated topic.' Movie City News
'[Voices] complex sentiments too rarely heard on either side of such a polarizing issue.' The Onion
'Presents its extremely divisive and controversial subject matter with remarkable sensitivity...Admirably explores the fine nuances and specifics of these physicians' lives and the difficult decisions that they and their patients make. It may not make for the most sensationalistic account of the issue, but it's probably one of the most humanistic.' Screen International
The Alarm Rings Softly
In the Caribbean, women subjected to violence from their partners as a result of substance abuse often felt they had no right to appeal to the law. Low self-esteem and the feeling that it was somehow their fault left them trapped in a cycle of dependency and guilt. But a new generation of women is using drama and...
In the Caribbean, women subjected to violence from their partners as a result of substance abuse often felt they had no right to appeal to the law. Low self-esteem and the feeling that it was somehow their fault left them trapped in a cycle of dependency and guilt. But a new generation of women is using drama and reggae to focus attention on a once taboo subject.
Caribbean women use drama and reggae to fight domestic violence.
Express(es)...wo...In the Caribbean, women subjected to violence from their partners as a result of substance abuse often felt they had no right to appeal to the law. Low self-esteem and the feeling that it was somehow their fault left them trapped in a cycle of dependency and guilt. But a new generation of women is using drama and reggae to focus attention on a once taboo subject.
Caribbean women use drama and reggae to fight domestic violence.
Express(es)...women's desire for independence, self-sufficiency and the important role of having a voice in the process of decision-making...fast paced, yet informative... geared toward the advanced high school student and above...has a place in all video collections in the areas of Women's Studies, History, Sociology and Anthropology. Highly Recommended.' Belinda L. Robinson-Jones, MC Journal Show more Show less
The Doctor's Story
With as many as five out of every 200 women dying in childbirth, Nepal has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. In 2001, an estimated 10,600 women would have needed emergency obstetric care in just four out of Nepal's 75 districts. But only 452 of these women were seen by the hospitals.
This episode of LIFE explores the plight of Nepal's local health services, and links the situation to the Bush Administration, whose reinstatement of the 'global gag rule' has prohibited the U.S. government from funding any non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that support abortion.
With thanks to the European Commission Directorate General for Development to promote better understanding of development issues; The World Health Organization; and UNICEF Nepal. The US debate over abortion has severe consequences for health care in rural Nepal. Show more Show less
Educating Lucia
But tragically for these three sisters from...
But tragically for these three sisters from one of Zimbabwe's large scale commercial farms, in tobacco country 50 miles outside Harare, they're more likely to end up -- as their... Twelve-year old Lucia's dream is to be able to graduate to secondary school, and stay there - to finish the 12th grade and go on to train as a pilot. Her older sister Barita wants to do computer studies. And Portia, the youngest in the family, wants to be a dressmaker.
But tragically for these three sisters from one of Zimbabwe's large scale commercial farms, in tobacco country 50 miles outside Harare, they're more likely to end up -- as their mothers before them -- with no formal education, working as seasonal laborers on the farm. The three sisters are AIDS orphans being brought up by their grandmother. She can only afford school fees for one girl, Lucia, to attend primary school.
Across Africa, the odds are dramatically against girls getting an education. And even if they do attend primary school, they're often withdrawn before they finish -- to work as unpaid laborers for their extended family, to be married off or to have children. Only one in four school age girls in Burkina Faso ever attends school.
Across the continent only 24 percent of girls actually complete primary school, compared to 65-70% for boys. As Harry Sawyer, Minister for Education in Ghana, wrote in a recent UNICEF report, the obstacles to girls' education are the same as those that undermine economic and social development everywhere 'but in the end, all the reasons add up to one: insufficient will.' The odds are against girls getting an education in Zimbabwe and throughout much of Africa. Show more Show less
In the Name of Honour
This Life program explores how oppression of the minority Kurds in the disputed en...
This Life program explores how oppression of the minority Kurds in the disputed enclave of north Iraq has unleashed a chain of violence -- often directed at the weakest members of Kurdish society: its women.
A former... It's autumn in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq -- and the wedding season is coming to an end. Marriage for most Kurdish brides promises freedom and respectability. But for others, it can bring isolation, cruelty and even death.
This Life program explores how oppression of the minority Kurds in the disputed enclave of north Iraq has unleashed a chain of violence -- often directed at the weakest members of Kurdish society: its women.
A former doctor, Nasik gave up her career to run a shelter for women living under threat of death from their families. 'Till now,' she says, 'hundreds of women have been killed in Iraqi Kurdistan simply because they fell in love, or because they demanded their basic rights -- such as the right to divorce or to be treated as a human being, to go outdoors, to be free to talk to other men.'
Beyan is a lawyer fighting to change the laws on justice for women. 'A lot of people treat honor like capital,' she explains, 'and for them, their capital is women and should be guarded closely.'
Ironically, one area of Kurdish life where women are most free is the government-backed Peshmerga Force of women soldiers. 31-year-old Rezan, their commander, spent two years in Iraqi prisons, and lost both her brother and fiancé to Saddam Hussein's forces. Now she teaches her young recruits to stand up for their rights. 'Young women should be active players in tomorrow's society,' she says. 'I teach them how to look after themselves.' Kurdish women fight for their rights in Northern Iraq. Show more Show less
Letters from our Lives
Disabled women are often isolated and hidden away, so we know very little about their struggles. To mark the end of the United Nations' Decade of Disabled People in 1992, disabled women from around the globe have written open letters to the world describing their individual plights. In parts of the world where bei...
Disabled women are often isolated and hidden away, so we know very little about their struggles. To mark the end of the United Nations' Decade of Disabled People in 1992, disabled women from around the globe have written open letters to the world describing their individual plights. In parts of the world where being a woman automatically demotes one to being a second class citizen, being a disabled woman represents a double dose of discrimination...
Disabled women are often isolated and hidden away, so we know very little about their struggles. To mark the end of the United Nations' Decade of Disabled People in 1992, disabled women from around the globe have written open letters to the world describing their individual plights. In parts of the world where being a woman automatically demotes one to being a second class citizen, being a disabled woman represents a double dose of discrimination. In this moving program, we hear the sadness and the hope of disabled women in Zimbabwe. We share in their struggle to survive on a daily basis and to create a better world for their children.
Not only will LETTERS FROM OUR LIVES foster a deeper understanding of people with disabilities, but it will send an inspirational message to anyone facing a hardship. It will touch a deep chord within all viewers.
Disabled women write open letters to the world about their plight.
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Life 8, Life 8 - Scent of the Streets
Nigeria has had some success in getting more women into government and business. But what about in the crowded and often violent slums of Lagos?
'[Scent of the Streets presents a harsh reality of how some young girls choose to live their lives and actually accept it as a survival mode with no alternative...The material is presented in an authentic way in the natural setting and contains a subtle message of the dangers of life on the streets--rape, beatings, and physical fights with competitors...The film can be used successfully in stimulating a discussion amongst the youth about the negative aspects of such a life as well as an exploration of alternatives.' Teboho Moja, Clinical Professor of Higher Education, New York University
'Part of the excellent Life series, namely Life on the Edge...The film gives us hope that the area is not necessarily the destiny of its denizens. Suitable for high school courses and college classes in introductory anthropology, anthropology of gender, anthropology of class/poverty, development anthropology, and African studies, as well as for general audiences.' Jack David Eller, Community College of Denver, Anthropology Review Database
Life 8, Life 8 - Trawler Girl
Johanna is Namibia's first female trawler captain. She trained with the Namibian Maritime Fisheries Institute and became skipper after eight years service as an officer and chief mate. Now in command of a crew of 23, she finds that men are not used to a woman at the wheel. Namibia signed up to the Millennium Devel...
Johanna is Namibia's first female trawler captain. She trained with the Namibian Maritime Fisheries Institute and became skipper after eight years service as an officer and chief mate. Now in command of a crew of 23, she finds that men are not used to a woman at the wheel. Namibia signed up to the Millennium Development Goals that aim to cut poverty by half in 2015. These goals include specific targets for women on education, reproductive health...
Johanna is Namibia's first female trawler captain. She trained with the Namibian Maritime Fisheries Institute and became skipper after eight years service as an officer and chief mate. Now in command of a crew of 23, she finds that men are not used to a woman at the wheel. Namibia signed up to the Millennium Development Goals that aim to cut poverty by half in 2015. These goals include specific targets for women on education, reproductive health and equality. Johanna is an example of targets fulfilled--but what about her friends and relatives back home?
A female trawler captain in Namibia exemplifies goals set forth for women in the Millennium Development Goals.
'There is a continuous challenge of trying to strike a balance in the film: being a woman in a man's world, being a professional and leader at work and being an ordinary woman back home with no title or recognition of being a leader. There are internal dilemmas that happen in daily life to all, in this case, being a mother and being a successful career woman. Johanna brings a message of hope to many, a message that needs to be heard. Life is a challenge but those challenges need to be taken head on by both males and females. The film is good teaching material and is likely to motivate youngsters who would see Johanna as their role model.' Teboho Moja, Clinical Professor of Higher Education, New York University
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The Motherhood Manifesto
Looks at the obstacles facing working mothers and families and the employer and public policy changes needed to restore work-life balance.
'It is very difficult to fit work and family issues into any kind of television or movie format, but The Motherhood Manifesto does it, and does it well. The stories range from heartbreaking to angry to enormously insightful, broken up by wonderful cartoon sketches, old clips from TV and movies, and interviews with leading experts. I'll be using it in class this fall. This is a great work and a movie that everyone should see!' Dr. Robert Drago, Penn State University
'The Motherhood Manifesto is a funny, fascinating, informative, and finally, infuriating, film about motherhood in America. At the end of this one, you'll want to jump out of your seat, rush out the door, and start demanding change immediately!' Ann Crittenden, author, The Price of Motherhood
'The Motherhood Manifesto is a sharp, funny, wry tale about some very unfunny social issues that mothers grapple with daily. If you have a mother, are a mother or know a mother, see this film.' Brita Butler-Wall, Ph.D., Seattle School Board
'Watch out. Apple pie is next. Motherhood has never been more disrespected in our nation than now. Seeing this excellent film, I was shocked to learn of mothers' struggles to earn a living wage and have time enough to love their children - who are, in fact, our nation's future. What a chilling commentary on how far we've come from our ideals when we can leave mothers out in the cold. Fortunately, The Motherhood Manifesto provides us with a path back to decency.' Vicki Robin, author, Your Money or Your Life
'If you think motherhood is sacred in the United States, then think again. This humorous and often bitingly cynical film exposes the myriad impediments that willfully deny aid, comfort and security to mothers (and, by extension, their precious little charges!) in contemporary American society. As one watches this film, one cannot help but wonder why the world's wealthiest and most powerful nation would treat mothers so deplorably. More importantly, this film begs viewers to wonder how this sorry state of affairs can be rectified.' Timothy McGettigan, Ph.D., Department of Sociology, Colorado State University- Pueblo
'The Motherhood Manifesto mingles searing contemporary interviews, vintage clips from television's Golden Era, depressing labor and industry statistics, and satirical cartoon parody to draw viewers into the world of mothers seeking additional employment...The documentary's focus -- a lack of access to job opportunity and pay equity for women with children -- remains a sad commentary on U.S. priorities. Appropriate for audiences from middle schools through AARP members, The Motherhood Manifesto invites its viewers to question why a world economic power holds its women and children in such low esteem.' Elaine W. Reed, Director, Women's Center and Women's Studies, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
'Motherhood Manifesto tells the stories that reveal the second class status of mothers in the U.S., and by extension, their children. The film demonstrates how workplace policies can benefit mothers and increase workplace efficiency and productivity. Viewers who are mothers will have their hardships affirmed, and legislators, policymakers, and employers will learn strategies to make our economy stronger with simple steps toward more flexibility in the workplace. An insightful analysis of the sexual politics of labor for students of gender and labor history and for decision makers in the workplace.' Jill Eichhorn, Associate Professor of Women's Studies/English, Coordinator of Women's Studies Program, Austin Peay State University
'An important documentary that captures some of the most pressing social issues of the 21st century...The film clearly illustrates how negligent the U.S. has been in taking care of its families and children, and how little it would cost to provide the level of support that is offered to families in other industrialized countries...Engaging and informative.' Jeanne Hilton, Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Nevada
'Finally - a pro-families film that does not romanticize motherhood! The Motherhood Manifesto presents the sad facts about women's experiences, as mothers, with employment discrimination, childcare availability, sick leave policies, and health insurance coverage. Always engaging and sometimes humorous, it is a powerful college classroom teaching tool to engage students in re-examining their notions about 'family values' in U.S. policy. I will be using The Motherhood Manifesto in my family studies courses.' Anita Itla Garey, Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, and Author of Weaving Work and Motherhood.
'The Motherhood Manifesto is an insightful, engaging, and timely film which gives voice to concerns felt by millions of American parents, advocates, service providers, social scientists and others interested in the well-being of children and families...Using tongue-in-cheek humor, illustrative personal stories, as well as thoughtful commentary from advocates, scientists, policymakers, employees and even employers, The Motherhood Manifesto persuasively makes the case that the time has come for the United States to 'catch up' with much of the rest of the world in terms of supporting and investing in working families.' Danielle A. Crosby, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, University of North Carolina- Greensboro
'Builds compelling arguments for women's pay equity, saner work hours, flexible and part-time work, child care programs, and universal health care for children. We hear the voices of mothers asserting what strikes this viewer as reasonable, even modest, demands for basic needs and a balance between work and family responsibilities...engaging and humorous...Timely.' Cynthia Ninivaggi, Georgian Court University, Anthropology of Work Review
'Informative, infuriating, and eye-opening.....well-suited to both introductory and advanced students...thought provoking...[An] excellent stimulators of discussion.' Ana Villalobos, Brandeis University, Films For the Feminist Classroom
'Effectively points out the curious hypocrisy of American politicians who brag about 'family values' - holding up stay-at-home motherhood as best for children - yet refuse to put pressure on businesses to offer paid leave or allow federal tax breaks for the working spouse. Recommended.' Video Librarian
'Offers a wide range of information and testimonials from people with diverse backgrounds located in different parts of the country...It is a call for action to all Americans to mobilize towards a much needed solution to these problems. Highly recommended for discussions with focus on social and policy perspectives on childcare, women and work, working mothers, career and family issues.' Kayo Denda, Rutgers University, Educational Media Reviews Online
'Illustrates the point that, compared with other industrial nations, the United States is shockingly remiss in providing working conditions conducive to balancing home and work life...Recommended for public, school, and academic collections.' Mary Laskowski, University of Illinois Library, Library Journal
The Right to Choose
It's a view...
It's a view shared by some Islamic leaders in northern Nigeria. They believe women's role is to comfort men, and see nothing wrong with marrying gi... Nibret is eleven -- and they're marrying her off to a man she's never met. Forced marriage isn't unusual in northern Ethiopia. It helps to cement ties between families and establish land rights. Besides, claim Ethiopian scholars, there are no schools for young women, so why not marry them off early?
It's a view shared by some Islamic leaders in northern Nigeria. They believe women's role is to comfort men, and see nothing wrong with marrying girls as young as seven, often in polygamous marriages.
This program reports on the dissonant voices arguing for change in local cultures -- and the calls for reproductive health care and primary education for women. Does widespread discrimination and violence against women now constitute a violation of human rights on a massive scale? Women are denied human rights in Ethiopia and northern Nigeria. Show more Show less
