“An urgent documentary. At a time when reproductive rights in America
is under attack, it’s a movie that feels timelier than ever“
–Dua Lipa
This groundbreaking, entertaining documentary draws on pop culture, science, and history to tell the stories of people who are saying no to parenthood–and the forces that marginalize them in society.
Written and Directed by Therese Shechter
My So-Called Selfish Life is a groundbreaking and timely documentary by award-winning filmmaker Therese Shechter. Titled after one of the myths it challenges, this entertaining and insightful film draws on pop culture, science, and history to tell the stories of people who are saying no to parenthood–and the forces that marginalize them in society.
Using humor as a powerful political tool, the film journeys through the current pronatalist landscape, from “childless cat ladies” and the myth of the “biological clock,” to birth rate panics and ongoing threats to reproductive freedom.
At a time when more women are challenging long-held beliefs about womanhood, family, and identity, the film reveals the ways that pronatalism impacts not only politics but also our personal lives - whether we have children or not. The growing childfree population –including the diverse and inspiring subjects of this film – is reshaping what it means to live a fulfilling life.
“Provocative! Looks at the pernicious side of the traditional ways women are validated.”
The Guardian
"Engrossing deep dive into the child-free choice”
The Globe and Mail
“Striking and imaginative…addresses an oft-overlooked facet of reproductive justice.”
Ms. Magazine
“Refreshing, comforting, energetic, and funny”
Emma Gannon
Bring the film to your campus, conference, or community group
“Eloquently demonstrates that childfree women deserve higher visibility in the reproductive rights movement.”
–Ann M. Moore, Principal Research Scientist, Guttmacher Institute
“Acknowledges the historical context of eugenics and how that still affects reproductive health access for the black community today.”
—Ash Johnson, Harvard University
“Libraries need to add this film to their collections for there is truly nothing like it.”
—Video Librarian (4 1/2 stars out of 5)
“Highly recommended”
—Educational Media Reviews Online
Conversations With Our Cast
Join the director and stars of My So-Called Selfish Life for free panels. Watch all the panels here.
If you were lucky enough to join us for the NYC premiere of My So-Called Selfish Life, you know how remarkable this thought-provoking and very entertaining conversation was. The panel features three of our film’s stars–Dr. Bernadith Russell, Dr. Kristyn Brandi and Marcia Drut Davis, and was moderated by Director Therese Shechter. We go deep into the abortion bans, sterilization access, the right of anyone with a uterus to not be pregnant–plus some behind-the-scenes revelations from Marcia’s notorious 60 Minutes interview.
