The arrest of midwives in a rural healthcare desert ignites an unexpected rebellion: Amish and Mennonite women, who break from tradition, and emerge as fierce political activists joining the fight for reproductive justice and freedom of choice in birthing rights.

In the heart of a rural Amish and Mennonite enclave, a dramatic chain of events unfolds as several trusted midwives are arrested— one after the other. These shocking arrests leave their community stranded in a healthcare desert, and reignite a centuries-old-battle between time-honored tradition and industrialized medicine.

Set against the backdrop of the US’ severe maternal mortality crisis and the erosion of women's reproductive rights, this David and Goliath story follows a group of renegade Amish and Mennonite women as they break with tradition, and become unlikely activists fighting for change. ARREST THE MIDWIFE is ultimately a story of courage, defiance and the power of collective action.

Funding Provided By

Team

Elaine Epstein

DIRECTOR/PRODUCER
Elaine Epstein is a South African born filmmaker who divides her time between Brooklyn and Cape Town. Elaine’s first feature, STATE OF DENIAL, was Emmy nominated, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and aired on PBS’s POV. Elaine spent the last decade creating award-winning brand films. ARREST THE MIDWIFE is her second feature as a director.
Robin Hessman

PRODUCER
Robin Hessman is an award-winning documentary filmmaker/creative producer. She recently produced Simple As Water, (HBOMax)-shortlisted for an Oscar for Best Documentary 2022, nominated for Emmy, Peabody, IDA, PGA Awards. Her films, including the critically acclaimed My Perestroika, have been NY Times Critics Picks, released theatrically, and broadcast in over 30 countries.
Rachel Shuman

EDITOR
Rachel Shuman is a documentary editor and director based in the New York City area. Her recent editing credits include Emmy- and Peabody-nominated Storm Lake (Full Frame, Independent Lens 2021); Omara (DOC NYC 2021); La Pastora (Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival 2020); Five Seasons (DOC NYC 2017); and One October (Full Frame 2017), which Rachel also directed. Rachel is currently co-directing and editing Snow Globe, a feature documentary about the magic, meaning, and future of snow.
Naiti Gámez

CINEMATOGRAPHER
Naiti Gámez has worked as a cinematographer and director on multiple award-winning films and television series. Her film, LOVE, SADIE, screened in the Short Film Corner at the Festival de Cannes and was a Student Academy Awards semi-finalist. Naiti’s most recent film credits include Ailey (Sundance Film Festival, 2021), Hail Satan (Sundance Film Festival, 2019, Hulu, 2019), Kiki (Sundance Film Festival, 2016, and Essay Film, Full Frame, Hulu, 2017), and Newtown (Independent Lens, PBS, 2017).