Five years of filming document the relationship between a Buddhist midwife and her Rohingya apprentice in conflict-ridden Rakhine State, Myanmar.
Synopsis
Five years of filming document the relationship between a Buddhist midwife and her Rohingya apprentice in conflict-ridden Rakhine State, Myanmar.
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Synopsis
Hla operates a makeshift maternity clinic in Rakhine State, Myanmar, where she provides care to Rohingya women. Her apprentice, Nyo Nyo, is a Muslim midwife who assists Hla while facing societal challenges. Over five years, the film documents their work amid rising anti-Rohingya sentiment and new legislation that restricts Hla's ability to treat her patients. As Nyo Nyo becomes pregnant with her third child, she decides to stay in Rakhine State and establish her own clinic with support from a local women's microloan group.
What Critics Say
The GuardianSombre documentary shot over five years follows two healthcare workers as they deliver babies in a brutally divided society.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See Hla's maternity clinic in Rakhine State.
- Meet Nyo Nyo, who starts her own clinic.
- Find out about the impact of Myanmar's 2021 coup.
Did You Know
- The film won the Special Jury Prize at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
- Hnin Ei Hlaing filmed the documentary over a span of five years.
- Midwives premiered on January 21, 2022, at the Sundance Film Festival.
- The film has a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes from 13 reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the documentary Midwives?
Midwives was directed by Hnin Ei Hlaing.
What award did Midwives win at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival?
Midwives won the Special Jury Prize for Excellence in Vérité Filmmaking at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
When was Midwives released in the UK?
Midwives was aired in the UK as part of the Storyville series on BBC Four on 4 October 2022.
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