Witness – Birth in Nepal (2010)
In the heart of Nepal, where the majestic Himalayas cradle the land, a quiet yet profound struggle unfolds daily. The documentary Witness – Birth in Nepal sheds light on the harrowing reality faced by expectant mothers in this nation. Directed by Nepalese filmmaker Subina Shrestha, the film delves into the shadows of childbirth, revealing a crisis that demands urgent attention.
Nepal, a country of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, grapples with one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally. Shockingly, approximately six women die in childbirth every day. These statistics paint a grim picture of the challenges faced by mothers and their unborn children.
The film follows Subina Shrestha, who herself is five months pregnant, on a poignant journey. Armed with her camera, she ventures into remote villages, bustling hospitals, and homes where life and death intertwine. Her mission: to understand why so many mothers perish during childbirth.
As the lens captures raw emotions, we witness the resilience of Nepalese women. They endure treacherous journeys across rugged terrain, often without access to proper medical facilities. The lack of skilled birth attendants, inadequate prenatal care, and cultural norms that perpetuate silence around maternal health exacerbate the crisis.
Through intimate interviews, we meet women who share their stories—their hopes, fears, and the weight of bringing life into a world fraught with peril. Their faces reveal the quiet strength that sustains them, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
The film also highlights the tireless efforts of healthcare workers, midwives, and activists striving to change the narrative. Their commitment to improving maternal health is unwavering, despite the odds stacked against them. They advocate for safe birthing practices, raise awareness, and challenge societal norms that endanger lives.
Witness – Birth in Nepal transcends mere statistics. It humanizes the struggle, making us confront the fragility of life and the urgent need for change. It calls upon viewers to recognize that every mother’s journey is a collective responsibility—one that demands compassion, education, and systemic reforms.
In the quiet moments of labor rooms and sun-drenched courtyards, the film invites us to witness not just birth, but also resilience, sacrifice, and hope. It reminds us that behind every statistic lies a woman—a mother—whose survival matters.
As we watch Subina Shrestha’s lens capture these stories, we are compelled to act. For Nepal’s mothers, for the unborn, and for a future where childbirth is not a gamble with life, but a celebration of it.
