Filmmaker Lived in Clinic for Abortion Drama

Dea Kulumbegashvili spent a year immersed in the daily life of a Georgian maternity clinic to authentically portray the complexities surrounding reproductive healthcare in her new film, April. The film focuses on an obstetrician practicing in rural Georgia, a setting chosen deliberately as the country grapples with tightening restrictions on abortion access. Kulumbegashvili’s extended observational period aimed to move beyond sensationalism and offer a nuanced depiction of the personal and professional challenges faced by both medical staff and patients navigating these evolving legal and social landscapes. This commitment to long-form, embedded journalism within filmmaking is commendable, offering a potentially powerful and empathetic exploration of a sensitive topic often reduced to political debate. The film promises a vital contribution to the conversation surrounding reproductive rights, particularly within a region where such issues are frequently stigmatized and underreported. The extended time commitment suggests a dedication to accuracy and a desire to present a human story, rather than a polemic.