as a former doula, birth environment is a cause very close to my heart. The similarities between making babies and birthing babies really are very strong. When we protect our birth environments women have improved birthing outcomes, lower rates of intervention and greater birth satisfaction. The response has been overwhelming, not just from women but also from respected midwifery leaders, not least our Chief Midwifery Officer and National Maternity Safety Champion, Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE who described the film as 'brilliant'!
Julia Melinek, midwifery student and PUSH creator
04 May 2021
Students prize-winning short film takes a satirical look at the role of midwife
A short film that challenges the narrative around birth and the role of the midwife is winning critical acclaim.
A short film that challenges the narrative around birth and the role of the midwife is winning critical acclaim.
Final year Midwifery student Julia Melinek wrote, produced, and stars in PUSH, a short comedy that draws parallels between the conception and birthing of babies. The film also stars her daughter who is a second year Psychology student at King’s.
In the film, a couple who are trying to make a baby are constantly interrupted by a team of medical professionals offering advice and monitoring their performance. Julia hopes her short comedy can help to deliver a serious message and change the way many women see birth.
PUSH was watched by over 50,000 people in its first month and has now been nominated for several awards. It has won the New York Cinematography Award for short film (in New York), and has been selected for the WRPN Women's International Film Festival in Delaware.
The film was inspired by a module delivered by King’s Faculty of Arts & Humanities, a compulsory course for all final year midwifery students.
You can watch PUSH on YouTube
