Midwives offers a realistic and unflinching glimpse into the daily struggles and urgency faced by midwives in French public hospitals.
Midwives (Sages-femmes) is a powerful French film directed by Léa Fehner, that made its world premiere at the 73rd Berlinale in the Panorama strand before its theatrical debut in France in August 2023. The film just received its Canadian premiere at Montreal-based Cinémania in November 2023. The film takes us into the hectic and demanding world of two young midwives, Sofia (Khadija Kouyaté) and Louise (Héloïse Janjaud), as they embark on their first job at a level 3 public maternity ward, where high-risk pregnancies are handled.
From the moment they step into this maternity ward, the audience is thrust into the whirlwind of a healthcare system on the brink of collapse. The film doesn’t shy away from highlighting the grim reality of understaffed and underfunded public hospitals, where some midwives are pushed to mistreat their patients due to the overwhelming pressure they face.
One of the standout aspects of Midwives is its remarkable blend of fiction and documentary elements. The birthing scenes were authentically shot at Toulouse University Hospital (CHU), lending an unparalleled level of authenticity to the film. The setting of the maternity ward, characterized by its cramped spaces, including rooms and corridors, is beautifully portrayed, offering a genuine representation of the environment. The camera masterfully follows the healthcare professionals in their actions, making you feel like you’re right there with them. The sound effects, including monitor beeps, cries, and ringing phones, intensify the urgency and chaos of the situations, effectively immersing the viewer in the turmoil of the maternity ward. The film’s exceptional realism lies in its portrayal of real births. This unflinching approach, combined with a balanced and convincing acting, creates an immersive experience, even if at times it might be uncomfortable, reminding us of the raw, unfiltered nature of life in a maternity ward.
At its core, Midwives is a political film with a clear agenda – to shed light on the working conditions within the public healthcare system and the woefully inadequate resources allocated to it. The film successfully brings attention to the urgent need for reform in the French public hospital sector, raising important questions about the value placed on the well-being of both patients and healthcare providers. While the film focuses on the job of midwives, often considered the most beautiful job in the world, its message clearly applies to the broader issues within the French public hospital system at large, serving as a poignant reminder of the dire need for reform in healthcare.
In conclusion, Midwives is a hard-hitting and realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by those working in the French public healthcare system. With its gripping narrative, authentic setting, and powerful message, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of healthcare and social issues. This film leaves a lasting impression, serving as a call to action to address the pressing problems within the public healthcare system.
If you liked Midwives, I recommend discovering The Labour of Pain and Joy, which premiered at CPH:DOX 2024.
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