No One Told Me; An observational documentary about the postpartum experience.
No One Told Me provides a raw and honest look at the postpartum period, a unique time in a woman's life that is rarely captured in documentary film.
Join us for the world premiere of this locally produced film, followed by a panel about postpartum care with filmmaker Zulilah Merry, Elise; the mother in the film and Holly Murphy, the midwife in the film. The panel is moderated by Kara Kaikini from the Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition.
This event is hosted by the Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition and filmmaker Zulilah Merry. We look forward to sharing this film with you and enjoying a conversation about this tender time in a woman's life.
Tickets are available online and at the door. Tickets are 15$ with the option of donating. Donations will help Zulilah promote No One Told Me at film festivals and support the Maine Breastfeeding Coalition. Ticket sales at the door start at 5:30 PM. Doors open at 5:45 PM. If you cannot afford general admission, please contact Zulilah at zulilah@merryfilm.com. We do not want you to miss this screening due to financial limitations.
NOTE FROM THE FILMMAKER: I made this film after becoming a mother in 2018 and being totally unprepared for how hard those first weeks and months of motherhood are. Initially I thought it was just me, I was having such a hard time because something was wrong with me. When I realised that many women struggle with the transition into motherhood, the idea for No One Told Me was born; A film that observes one woman from birth, through the first days and weeks postpartum. No interviews, no looking back, just being in the moment with her. Showing future mothers and their support system what the postpartum period really looks like. Showing new mothers that they are not the only ones struggling. Allowing mothers of all ages to process their own postpartum experience. Allowing those without children to deepen their understanding.
This film is a testament to the fact that as humans we have so much more in common than we think. We are not as alone as we feel. The power of being vulnerable is to show others that it is safe to share. And it is safe to feel. If No One Told Me inspires communities to support a new mother in ways that allow her to feel safe and loved and held - my work is done.
SYNOPSIS: The purely observational footage of incredibly intimate moments shows the highs and lows encountered by parents Elise and Marc as they adapt to life with a baby. Focusing on the new mother, the film shares the physical, hormonal and psychological changes she faces during the first 10 weeks of motherhood.