Sages-femmes
Even before we meet Sofia and Louise on the maternity ward, there are sirens. The atmosphere is loud and hectic, everyone is stretched to the limit and the waters are not the only thing that are about to break. These two friends and flatmates are starting their first day as midwives together. There is barely any time for an induction. Thrown into the department’s daily routine of crowded corridors, delivery rooms and monitors, Sofia and Louise have very different first days. The pressurised situation of care-giving whilst under constant stress soon begins to put a strain on their friendship. (Festival information, Berlin, 2023)
The Ecumenical Jury awards Midwives for the strong and genuine depiction of the midwife ward of a public hospital in Paris. The film shows the intensity of their daily work and the challenges they encounter and overcome. The film brilliantly shows the short-comings of the system on one hand and the dedication of the staff accompanying women who are about to bring new lives into the world on the other hand. The seamless integration of drama and documentary adds to the impact of the film