In Snow Hnin El Hlaing’s feature documentary debut, two midwives, one Buddhist and one Muslim, defy religious and ethnic divisions to work together in a makeshift clinic in western Myanmar, providing medical care to all in need.
Hlaing filmed Midwives over five years against the backdrop of Myanmar’s military coup and genocide against the Rohingya, a Muslim minority community in Rakhine State where the film was shot. Despite this, the conflict serves largely as contextual background for the film, as Hlaing chooses instead to focus on the hope and humanity still present in the community, as seen through our two main subjects and their families.
Hla is a Buddhist and the owner of a makeshift medical clinic in her community in Rakhine State. Nyo Nyo is a Muslim and an apprentice midwife who Hla has taken under her wing. Nyo Nyo’s family has lived in the area for generations, and yet still live in fear of persecution as ‘intruders.’ Over five years, we witness Nyo Nyo learn from Hla, shift her dreams to accommodate her growing family, and become empowered to create her own clinic to greater serve her people.
Through Nyo Nyo and Hla’s relationship as well as their everyday experiences, the film exposes the futility of divisions and highlights the way building relationships can help break down barriers, while also exploring how prejudice and hate are spread.
Hla is skilled at her job and tough as nails, and genuinely wants to help Nyo Nyo succeed. She also risks her own family’s safety working with Nyo Nyo and treating Muslim patients. At the same time, Hla is easily frustrated and sometimes takes it out on those around her using offensive remarks that expose her own learned prejudice towards Muslims. Nevertheless, the two midwives share a bond and mutual respect as they work together amidst an increasingly dangerous conflict. Their relationship expands beyond the workplace to include shared family meals, recreational time together, and even asking questions to learn more about the other’s religion. At its heart, the film offers a simple message—build relationships and harbour empathy to foster community and dismantle the divisions amongst us.
Midwives also exposes how harmful misinformation and prejudice are spread, particularly through the media. Throughout the film, we see and hear clips of mainstream songs played on TV and the radio that are musically upbeat but dark in content. The lyrics flashing across our screens contain harmful messages depicting Muslims in Myanmar as illegal intruders and advocating for their persecution. We also hear about the spread of hateful videos and harmful misinformation on Facebook from our subjects. Hla mentions seeing a video of a horrific attack circulating on Facebook, and also describes her shock at discovering that members of the Buddhist community are spreading alarming misinformation abut herself on Facebook, including made-up rumours that incite hate towards Muslims. The film doesn’t really delve into this hugely problematic side of Facebook, including their ethical responsibilities and lack of action, but the shared anecdotes still speak volumes and sound the alarms.
Amidst an increasingly dire situation, Hlaing emphasizes the strength and importance of community resilience and optimism as Hla and Nyo Nyo carry on with their lives and their work. They become accustomed to hearing bombs in the distance and shrug off the idea of impending danger. Hla insists she won’t go down without a fight, and Nyo Nyo grows her family, giving birth to a baby girl (delivered by Hla, of course). Each defies the present threat by looking to the future. Nyo Nyo also starts a women’s loans and savings group and implements her dream of building her own medical clinic.
The film ends with hope and optimism for the next generation; Hla trains a new apprentice at her clinic, while Nyo Nyo describes her dreams of a brighter future for her daughter.
Midwives has it world premiere at this year’s Sundance festival as part of the prestigious World Cinema Documentary Competition.