EVERY MOTHER COUNTS/AR CINEMA SOCIETY: “Giving Birth in America: Arkansas” World Premier

Every Mother Counts and Arkansas Cinema Society to Host 

World Premiere of “Giving Birth in America: Arkansas” Short Film

EMC founder Christy Turlington Burns to speak at Little Rock screening

Every Mother Counts (EMC), a nonprofit whose mission is to make pregnancy and childbirth safe, equitable and respectful for every mother, everywhere, will partner with the Arkansas Cinema Society to host the world premiere of the “Giving Birth in America: Arkansas” short film at the Capital Hotel in Little Rock on Wednesday, April 26. Christy Turlington Burns, EMC founder/president and executive producer of the film, will attend the screening and provide welcome remarks.

“Giving Birth in America: Arkansas” is the newest chapter in Every Mother Counts’ “Giving Birth in America” film series. The short film spotlights Arkansas, the state with the highest maternal mortality rate in the United States. The film follows three Arkansas mothers as they grapple with mental health concerns, lack of paid leave and other challenges in the days, weeks and months following birth. Their compelling stories paint a vivid picture of the reality of the postpartum experience and the essential role of community-based support for new parents.

Turlington Burns established Every Mother Counts in 2010, following the release of her documentary film “No Woman, No Cry.” After experiencing a childbirth complication, she learned that hundreds of thousands of women die every year because they do not have access to the care they need both during pregnancy and postpartum. She has since dedicated her work to improving access to maternity care across the world.

“As part of Every Mother Counts’ mission, we’ve leveraged storytelling to highlight the maternal health crisis in the United States. Using short films focusing on different states, we’ve given mothers, providers and advocates a platform to share their stories,” said Turlington Burns. “Since Arkansas has the highest maternal mortality rate in the country, we knew it was essential to highlight this state’s maternal health crisis. I hope these stories encourage individuals to join the movement for maternal health and safe, equitable childbirth.”

The world premier event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception, followed by opening remarks from Turlington Burns and the screening at 6:30 p.m. Arkansas-based experts in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology and maternal health will lead a talkback with attendees from 7-8 p.m. All events will take place in the Capital Hotel’s Baxter Room.

Talkback subject matter experts include William Greenfield, M.D., Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UAMS; Zenobia Harris, DNP, MPH, executive director of the Arkansas Birthing Project; and Sarita Hendrix, CD, CLC, co-founder of Ujima Maternity Network.

There is no cost to attend the public reception, screening and talkback. However, attendees are required to register in advance at bit.ly/GivingBirthArkansas. A limited number of tickets are available.

About Every Mother Counts

Founded by Christy Turlington Burns in 2010, Every Mother Counts (EMC) is a New York-based nonprofit organization that is dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother. The organization informs, engages and mobilizes new audiences to take actions and raise funds that support maternal health programs around the world. Since its founding, EMC has invested almost $30 million through over 100 grants that support proven models of care in 16 countries across the world. EMC’s grantmaking has directly impacted more than 1 million people. For more information, visit everymothercounts.org.

About the Arkansas Cinema Society

Arkansas Cinema Society (ACS) is a nonprofit committed to building a film community in Arkansas where film lovers can watch films, share ideas, connect with each other and nurture the new and existing film talent within our state through increased exposure to filmmakers and their art. Memberships are available to the public at large who may wish to dive into educational videos, member-only tickets, movie swag and more. Those interested in supporting ACS can visit their website at arkansascinemasociety.org.