“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
A groundbreaking and timely documentary about the growing childfree movement, and how it’s reshaping what it means to live a fulfilling life.
Written and Directed by 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.
With brisk, cheeky humor and an intersectional lens, filmmaker Therese Shechter journeys through this varied landscape, from “childless cat ladies” and “mommyjacking,” 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 movement is reshaping what it means to live a fulfilling life. My So-Called Selfish Life celebrates the right to choose the lives that are best for us, because when we have control over our reproductive futures, powerful things happen.
“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.
