The abortion documentary Zurawski v Texas, directed by Maisie Crow and Abbie Perrault, has won the first Artemis Rising Foundation Award for Social Impact at the Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF). This new award recognizes a film that has the power to change culture and challenge societal norms.
Produced by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton and Jennifer Lawrence, Zurawski v Texas tells the story of a group of women who come together to sue the state of Texas after being denied abortions despite serious health risks during their pregnancies.
Crow and Perrault will receive a $15,000 cash prize, which they can use as they see fit. The 98-minute documentary premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in September and is currently seeking distribution. In a joint statement, the directors expressed their hope that the film will reach a broad audience to educate and inspire viewers about women’s healthcare issues. “This award will help us continue to spark conversations about access to care for women and families,” they said.
The Artemis Rising Foundation, led by founder Regina K. Scully, supports stories that address social justice issues such as gender bias, trauma, mental health, and women’s empowerment. Scully has produced numerous documentaries over the past two decades, including Won’t You Be My Neighbor? and The Invisible War.
Scully praised Zurawski v Texas, stating, “This film sheds light on the dangerous realities surrounding women’s reproductive rights. It has the potential to resonate emotionally with viewers and drive change in this country.”
On September 24 in Austin, Texas, Bumble hosted an impact screening series that featured Zurawski v Texas and contributed funding to its production.
Variety critic Tomris Laffly noted that the documentary argues that abortion access should not be a partisan issue but rather a matter of bipartisan concern. The film screened at HIFF on October 5, with the festival concluding on Monday.
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