Underdog Films

05/11/2025

Repost from
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“Arrest the Midwife” pulls back the curtain on what far too many midwives and families already know: that laws criminalizing midwifery do real harm and disproportionately impact rural, religious, and marginalized communities.

This documentary centers on the story of Elizabeth Catlin, a Mennonite midwife in New York, and also includes the stories of Melissa Yaw Carman and Lissa Horning, whose arrests highlight broader threats to community-based midwifery.

As Ms. Magazine writes: “The film is a call to action for policymakers, advocates and everyday people to protect midwives and expand access to safe, community-based care.”

Midwives are not criminals. Midwifery is essential healthcare—and it should be protected.

Read the full review: https://msmagazine.com/2025/05/04/arrest-the-midwife-documentary-film-review-laws-mennonite-new-york/ (link in bio)

03/15/2025

Love this review! I'll be pitching - "Nevertheless, it’s easy to imagine the Hollywood pitch session for a fictionalized big budget version of “Arrest the Midwife” — starring, say, the all-star A-list Doubt team of Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis"..Yet as much as the scenario may sound like some high concept screenwriter’s pitch, that’s exactly what happened (sans Oscar-bait histrionics) in pandemic-era New York state — as chronicled by Elaine Epstein’s quietly powerful documentary

With the notable exceptions of "Witness" and "Kingpin" (and, more recently, Sarah Polley's "Women Talking"), big screen depictions of the stubbornly old school,

03/14/2025

SXSW theta a wrap! Three sold out screenings (unfortunately we had to turn people away), amazing audiences - the response to the film blew us away, and a fun time had by all!!! Thanks . Austin we’ll be back soon so more people can see the film.

03/04/2025

Thanks Inmaat. Your support means so much and we couldn’t have done it without you!!! Repost from
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Arrest the Midwife, a film supported by , directed by , and produced by Robin Hessman and , will be featured in this year’s SXSW Film & TV Festival () running from March 7-15.

With exceptionally rare and intimate access, director crafts a powerful David-and-Goliath story of resilience and resistance. Set against the backdrop of America’s maternal health crisis and the erosion of reproductive rights, Arrest the Midwife is both a poignant portrait of a community in crisis and an urgent call to protect every woman’s right to choose how she brings the next generation into the world.

02/25/2025

Thanks, SXSW, for the fun and wildly educational orientation last night! I learned someone made a horror film starring their own dog (yes, you read that right), and the furry little terror will also be attending the festival.

Naturally, I figured it was only fair to bring my own inspirations too! Meet Luna—whose birth introduced me to midwifery and sparked my film—and Levi, whose home birth was basically a sequel. These two have been with me through grant writing, grant awards and now, finally, our world premiere at SXSW!!

I was told they aren’t allowed in the bars. Wondering if the horror movie dog has the same restrictions… 🤔🐶🎥film - can’t wait to see your film!!!

02/09/2025

Heading to ? Live in Austin? Just happen to be in Texas on March 9th, 11th, or 13th? Then don’t miss your chance to see Arrest the Midwife on the big screen!

This is more than just a film—it’s a conversation, a movement, a timely story that needs to be told. We'd love to see you at the screening! For more information follow or go to https://www.arrestthemidwifefilm.com

01/23/2025

Beyond excited to announce that my film “Arrest The Midwife” will be premiering at in March!!!!! I could not have done it without my amazing team - Rachel Shuman (thanks for your insane editing chops and hopping on this roller coaster ride with me), and for helping bring this story to light and your beautiful imagery, - for your unbelievable sensitivity and knack for putting people at ease, and Robin Hessman for jumping in and helping us get over the finish line.Midwives - Liz, Melissa, and Lissa - I’m in total awe of your dedication, passion, and insane skills. Thanks for trusting me with your stories. And to the beautiful Mennonite and Amish communities of upstate NY - thanks for trusting us, and letting us be part of your world!

12/14/2022

Honored to be selected among an incredible group of artists for the NYSCA grant. Thanks to my amazing team - Rachel Shuman (editor) Naiti Gámez (DP), Fiona McBaine (Sound), George Alvarez (AC), Tyson VanSkiver (DP).

09/26/2022

Honored to be selected among an incredible group of films and filmmakers for the 2022 IDA Enterprise Grant. I could not have done it without my amazing team - Rachel Shuman (editor) Naiti Gamez (DP), Fiona McBaine (Sound), George Alvarez (AC), Tyson VanSkiver (DP).

01/04/2022

Looking for crew all the time but specifically looking for an AC next week to film in the Finger Lakes. Travel 10 and 13 shoot 11 and 12. Must vaccinated and able to drive.

09/20/2020

Sunday funday!

02/28/2020

Looking for a kick-ass assistant editor who knows how to organize a feature length doc project , including syncing media, logging, bin management, etc. Currently, I only need someone for a day or two but as the project progresses there will be a lot more work.