Journeys In Motherhood: The Safe Motherhood Research Project

In Ethiopia, only 28% of births happen in a health facility. Many women choose to give birth at home due to social and environmental factors. The maternal mortality rate in Ethiopia is among the highest in the world. In March 2019 I was brought on as a filmmaker to document the joint research efforts of the University of Ottawa and Jimma University’s work studying this issue. Their study examines the ‘3 Delay Model’; a framework for categorizing barriers to accessing adequate healthcare options for the Ethiopian population. Our film interviews health workers, mothers, religious leaders, government officials and researchers to paint an accurate picture of this issue. We spent our days hiking into remote villages, visiting health centres and documenting conversations with researchers. This film offered an alternative way to disseminate research findings as the University of Ottawa and JimmaU wrapped up this phase of their project. Learn more.

“PhD candidate in population health uses documentary filmmaking as a tool for advocacy”

Credits

Client: University of Ottawa Faculty of Health Sciences

Role: Director of Photography, Cinematographer, Editor

Direction: Nicole Bergen

Original Soundtrack: Loretta Media, Freddy Kwon, Getachew Kiros

Story Editor: Mireille Sylvester

Production Team: Abebe Mamo, Shifera Asfaw, Mamusha Aman, Endale Erko

Production Assistants: Jaffer Lola, Medewy Adem, Kinfe Shibiru, Tariku Tadese Mariyam, Nigat Timiru, Yalew Tamene, Feysa Mideksa, Korinan Fanta, Gadisa Bekele, Merdkioys Habtamu

Translation: Abebe Mamo, Mamusha Aman, Endale Erko, Isaac Bezabih, Gemechu Mosisa Abedisao

4K, 20min, Web

2019

Videography Training & Field Component

As part of the project, I helped design and teach a two-day filmmaking course for students in Jimma & Addis Ababa. The first part of the course covered storytelling theory and execution. We discussed the different stages of production and developed sample treatments of stories they could tell in their community. The second day offered hands-on experience with gear, where I helped students get familiar with camera and audio basics around campus. We brought the most enthusiastic students into the field with us to film Journeys In Motherhood. Their intuition, support and community expertise became a key part of the project’s structure and success. I had a total blast running this course.

Most recently, the learnings of this project were published in the African Journal of Reproductive Health in 2021.

TRAILER