The 4th Pacific Human Rights Film Festival kicked off its first screening of the documentary “Pacific Mother” on October 5 at Damodar City Cinemas. This documentary showcases the birthing experiences of mothers from the perspectives of those living in the Cook Islands, Hawaii, Tuvalu, and Japan.
Katherine McRae, the director and writer of “Pacific Mother,” emphasized that the film conveys universal messages that resonate with viewers. She pointed out that legislation in some Pacific Island nations imposes strict requirements on midwives.
While filming in Hawaii, McRae noted that new laws were being introduced which mandated specific qualifications for midwives, qualifications that are reportedly unavailable in Hawaii. This has rendered many knowledgeable women in remote islands unable to identify themselves as midwives, restricting their ability to assist, which she described as extremely dangerous.
Heike Alefsen, the Pacific regional representative for the United Nations Human Rights (UNOCHR), mentioned that the fourth Pacific Human Rights Film Festival was established years ago to engage audiences with subjects that are often overlooked. She acknowledged that many attendees may be unfamiliar with the significant backgrounds of the impactful narratives being shared through films.