The Bangalore Birth Network and Vikalp Bengaluru are presenting a documentary series entitled ‘Being Born: Films from around the world’ on February 2 and 3. On Saturday, February 2, the films ‘Birth in the Squatting Position’ (Brazil) and ‘Born at Home’ (India) will be screened, from 6:30 pm onwards. On Sunday, February 3, ‘Birth Day’ (Mexico) and ‘The Business of Being Born’ (USA) will be screened, starting at 3 pm. There will be a discussion following each screening. 

‘Born at Home’ observes indigenous birth practices and practitioners in parts of India (rural Rajasthan, Bihar, and the urban working class area of Jahangirpuri in Delhi).

Poised between social reality and the eternal mystery of childbearing, the film poses a critical question.
When dais or midwives are known to handle about 50 per cent of births in India, why does the state not recognise the inherited and low-cost skills of the almost one million traditional practitioners in the country?
The film presents an intricate delineation of the figure of the dai who is almost always a low-caste, poor woman. Gender and class issues are juxtaposed with images of the postpartum massage, the ritual bath, and finally the miracle of an actual birth.

The Bangalore Birth Network is a group of professionals in Bangalore whose aim is to raise awareness, promote safe and supported birth and evidence-based care, from pregnancy through postpartum. It aims to provide information and education to women and their families that enhance the understanding of birth as a normal life process and enable them to make informed decisions.

All films are in English or have English subtitles and show actual births and are graphic. Screenings will take place at the Centre for Film and Drama, Nani Cinema, 5th Floor, Sona Towers, 71 Millers Road.
For more information contact nycdoula@gmail.com or call 9986380303.