Film Lens
Vessel is a 2014 documentary directed by Diana Whitten that focuses on Dr. Rebecca Gomperts and her organization, Women on Waves. Founded in 1999, the organization provides abortions at sea for women lacking legal options. The film captures Gomperts' efforts as she sails around the world, overcoming opposition and refining her mission to use new technologies to bypass existing laws.
The documentary also shows Gomperts' training of women to perform self-administered abortions using WHO-researched protocols. It illustrates the creation of an underground network of activists who empower women to manage their own abortions, showcasing the intersection of healthcare, activism, and legal challenges in reproductive rights.
Why Watch
- •Meet Dr. Rebecca Gomperts and her mission.
- •See how Women on Waves operates at sea.
- •Find out about self-administered abortion protocols.
Did You Know
•The film premiered at SXSW in Texas on March 9, 2014.
•It took seven years to produce Vessel.
•Vessel won the Audience Award and Special Jury Awards at the 2014 SXSW Film Festival.
•The film features a diverse cast, including Rebecca Gomperts and Kinga Jelinska.
Perfect For
Reproductive rights advocatesDocumentary film enthusiastsActivism and healthcare