Mother to Child 2001
Distributed by California Newsreel, Order Dept., PO Box 2284, South Burlington, VT 05407; 877-811-7495 (toll free)
Produced by Beala Lipman
Directed by Jane Thandi Lipman
VHS, color, 44 min.
Sr. High - Adult
African Studies, Health Sciences, Sociology
Date Entered: 09/10/2004
Reviewed by Beth Traylor, University of Wisconsin Libraries, MilwaukeeAccording to the film, 25% of pregnant women in South Africa are HIV positive. This program focuses on two pregnant women with HIV, Patience and Pinkie. Clinical trials are the only way for most people to afford the HIV and AIDS drugs. Patience and Pinkie are both participating in a drug trial to prevent the transfer of HIV to their babies. They are shown being treated before the baby is born and then the baby is treated after childbirth. They discuss their friendship, their fears and their support for each other. Patience and Pinkie also talk about how they found out they were HIV positive. They are shown revealing their HIV status to their partners and families. Candid interviews with their partners reveal the different emotional reactions they have to the news.
Mother to Child is part of a 25 cassette series entitled “Steps for the Future” that focuses on living with AIDS in South Africa. This documentary alternates between interviews with Pinkie and Patience and footage of their hospital stays, births and doctor visits. The program ends with an update on Patience’s baby who has tested negative and Pinkie who did not get the results of her baby’s test. The focus is on the child’s well being and HIV status with a brief note that neither woman is receiving treatment for HIV. English subtitles are provided as needed.
This program puts a face to the AIDS epidemic and reflects the struggles of individuals, families and communities. Mother to Child would be a good addition to any public or academic library collection on AIDS. Recommended.