The 4th Pacific Human Rights Film Festival kicked off with the premiere of the documentary “Pacific Mother” on October 5 at Damodar City Cinemas. This documentary explores the birthing experiences of mothers from the Cook Islands, Hawaii, Tuvalu, and Japan, offering insights from their unique perspectives.
Katherine McRae, the director and writer of “Pacific Mother,” emphasized the film’s universal appeal, noting that it resonates with audiences through its impactful messages. She highlighted the challenges presented by restrictive legislative measures in some Pacific island nations regarding the qualifications required for midwives.
While filming in Hawaii, McRae mentioned concerns over legislation that mandated specific qualifications for midwives, qualifications not attainable in Hawaii. This situation endangers women on outer islands who possess extensive birth knowledge and experience but are barred from legally supporting mothers during childbirth.
Heike Alefsen, the United Nations Human Rights (UNOCHR) Pacific regional representative, spoke about the festival’s purpose, which aims to engage viewers on topics that are often overlooked. She noted that many filmgoers may not fully understand the backgrounds of the compelling stories presented.