London Feminist Film Festival - No Kids For Me, Thanks
Kids, not everyone wants them. Here's an in-depth look at Western women who've decided not to reproduce and the challenges that this decision still poses in 2015.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Magenta Baribeau
Watch No Kids For Me, Thanks on Vimeo on demand
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
This is a really personal project of mine that came out of a desire to stop the invisibility of childfree women. The idea to make a documentary film on this subject came to me on a rainy November day in 2008, after leaving a travel clinic in Montreal where once again I was told by a stranger, “You’ll change your mind!” when I had said I didn’t want kids.
Frustrated by the condescension and lack of understanding, I set out to find a reflection of my own self in the media. I couldn’t find any. I had a flash. This was going to be my first feature. This was THE subject I had been waiting for.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Because you've at some point thought about having children or not. This film explores an aspect of reproductive choice that is never talked about: namely the decision to not have kids. I explore some of the reasons people gave me for not wanting to become a parent and the social mechanisms at work that we barely notice but that pressure - especially women - to have kids. It's about non parents but it's not exclusively for them. Parents and non parents alike will find that this documentary speaks to them.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This film explores the very private theme that is someone's decision to have kids or not but ours it in a more global context by exploring the social mechanisms at work in western societies.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
When I first set out to do this film, half of the storyline had to do with access to female sterilization, which is still very limited to this day in Canada. Though this specific issue is still very dear to me, I decided to do something broader and make a film that would touch upon all aspects of non-motherhood, from the misconceptions that still exist to the representation of childless women in the media to the notion or regret or ageing alone.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It's truly been amazing. A lot of people have written me long emails after some of the screenings to tell me how great they felt to finally hear people like them who didn't want kids on screen and that they didn't feel as alone anymore. Someone even sent my distributor a long handwritten letter telling me their own life experiences being childfree. This film resonates on a very private and personal level with viewers and I welcome all stories. It's really moved me.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
What's surprised me most is that I made a film about childfree people but not necessarily for them and I realized that people who already have kids or who want some eventually are just not interested in watching my documentary. There seems to be a bit of a misconception that my film is a propaganda piece against families, which it really isn't and when you watch it, you really understand that I've been investigating the origin and symptoms of the social pressure to procreate that's been put on us.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Being an indie filmmaker, I only gave access to a limited network that is mainly in Quebec, Canada. I have been very fortunate and my film has been screened many times in Montreal as well as abroad, but I would like to reach a broader audience because everyone thinks about procreation sooner or later in their life and this film hopes to make everyone think about different aspects of the question without judgement or agenda.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I currently only have a Canadian distributor and would love to get a European and/or international one.
Being an independent filmmaker with limited means I haven't had the chance to send the film to nearly as many festivals as I wanted so festival directors are welcome as well.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want to make everyone think about their reasons to gave it not to have kids. Are we conditioned or scarred? There are wonderful reasons to want kids. But there are bad ones too. Just like there are great and not do great reasons not to want kids.
I have received hate mail and a lot of criticism from people who have not seen the film and refuse to and think it's pro-childfree or against parents or family, which is not the point at all. I wanted people to start to understand people who don't want kids and stop demonizing us. It takes generations for mentalities to change and so I hope my film will help make a difference.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Anything about wanting kids or not, really. The very subject of motherhood and kids is very polarizing.
Would you like to add anything else?
I think that covers it. If you think of any more questions I'll gladly answer them :)
What are you developing or working on now?
I am currently researching/writing my first fiction.
Interview: August 2016
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Maman? Non merci!/No Kids for Me, Thanks!
Kids, not everyone wants them. Here's an in-depth look at Western women who've decided not to reproduce and the challenges that this decision still poses in 2015.
Length: 74 min
Director: Magenta Baribeau
Producer: Magenta Baribeau
Writer: Magenta Baribeau
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): distributors, festival directors, journalists
Funders: self and crowdfunded
Release date: November 15, 2015
Where can I watch it in the next month?
It was picked up by a Canadian broadcaster who will be broadcasting it starting this fall. I am looking for international festivals, theatres to screen it.