Arrest the Midwife

As their midwives are arrested, the Amish and Mennonite women of upstate New York break from their traditions as an insular community to become unexpected activists, fighting for systemic change.

With exceptionally rare and intimate access, director Elaine Epstein crafts a powerful David-and-Goliath story of resilience and resistance. Set against the backdrop of America’s maternal health crisis and the erosion of reproductive rights, ARREST THE MIDWIFE is both a poignant portrait of a community in crisis and an urgent call to protect every woman’s right to choose how she brings the next generation into the world.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

photo of Elaine Epstein

Film Screenings

Mar 9, 2025
2:15pm 3:37pm
Mar 9, 2025
2:15pm 3:37pm
Mar 11, 2025
2:45pm 4:07pm
Mar 11, 2025
2:45pm 4:07pm
Mar 13, 2025
2:45pm 4:07pm
Mar 13, 2025
2:45pm 4:07pm

Credits

Director:

Elaine Epstein

Executive Producer:

Ruth Ann Harnisch, Patty Quillin, Carrie Lozano

Producer:

Elaine Epstein, Robin Hessman

Cinematographer:

Naiti Gámez, Tyson VanSkiver

Editor:

Rachel Shuman

Music:

Allyson Newman

Principal Cast:

Elizabeth Catlin, Melissa Carman, Lissa Horning, Linda Schutt, Michael Sussman, Esq., Linda Hamilton

Additional Credits:

Supervising Producer : Shana Swanson, Co-Producer: Rachel Denny, Consulting Producer : Jane Greenberg, Consulting Editor: Penelope Falk, Sound : Fiona McBaine, Assistant Editor: Jenn Stamps, Additional Graphics: Jorge Garcia-Spitz, Advisor: Aviva Romm, Advisor: Jennifer Fox, Co-Executive Producer: Tegan Acton, Emma Pompetti

Contact

Public Film Contact:

Elaine Epstein
Underdog Films
epstein@underdogfilms.com
9179910957

Publicity Contact:

Jacki St. Thomas
arrestthemidwife@mprm.com
310-625-7799

Primary Access
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Secondary Access
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About
Year:
2025
Premiere Status:
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Runtime:
82 mins