Four weeks ago was the US premiere of Why Not Home? in San Francisco. Many of the mothers, doctors, nurses, and midwives in the film were there with their families. Victoria, our editor, even came in from New York for the event. Nearly the whole team was there and got to feel the love from the audience--and there was a lot of love to be felt.
Since then I've traveled to Waynesville, MO and Tulsa, OK where I was able to share it with enthusiastic audiences. The film has already been to 11 screenings since the SF premiere and will be seen in 20 states and Australia, Canada, and Finland over the next 3 months.
When I first started thinking about distribution I imagined I would be at all of the screenings. It was weird to think that people would watch it and talk about it without me. I made this film to create conversations and changes within communities, and I wanted to be there--at every one. But I can't be at 40 different places in 2 months. I do have some limitations.
Next week Jonas and I will go to DC for the Premiere there. I'm excited to watch it with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law who are expecting their first baby. I'm also curious to see how it's received in the Mid-Atlantic. If you're in the area I'd love for you to join us!
An ER nurse and maternal child health instructor who was at the Petaluma screening last week said this after watching the film,
“I was impressed with the balanced approach and the compassion and love that everyone had in the film. It was well thought out and executed and really spoke to me in a way I was’t expecting.”
Home birth can be so polarizing and contentious. My goal was always to present something that was honest and compassionate. The women and families who allowed me into their lives for this project held that same hope and I'm so glad it comes through.
If you are planning to see it at any of the upcoming screenings, bring tissues. Nearly everyone cries.