Pippa Bennett-Warner & Pippa Vosper Discuss ’22+1′ at London Film Festival

New Film ’22+1′ Shines Light on Racial Disparities in maternal Healthcare

London, England – A powerful new film, 22+1, premiered at the London Film Festival this week, sparking important conversations about racial inequalities within the healthcare system and the devastating impact of late-term pregnancy loss. The filmS creators are hoping for a wide release on a major streaming platform like netflix to reach a broad audience.

The Story Behind the Film

The project originated with Pippa Vosper, a writer and former fashion editor, whose personal experience with the loss of her son, Axel, at 20 weeks ignited a deep dive into the experiences of other women. Vosper’s 2022 book, Beyond Grief: Navigating the Journey of Pregnancy and baby Loss, became the foundation for the film, revealing a disturbing pattern of similarities among women of color facing pregnancy complications.

Research highlighted a stark reality: black women in the UK are more than twice as likely to die in childbirth compared to thier White counterparts.In the United States, the Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. These statistics underscore the urgent need for systemic change.

A Collaborative Vision

Recognizing the sensitivity of the subject matter, Vosper sought a creative partner who could authentically portray the story. she collaborated with actor-turned-filmmaker Pippa Bennett-Warner (known for her roles in Gangs of London and See How They Run) to direct the film.Bennett-Warner plays Ruby, a woman navigating the immense grief of late-term pregnancy loss while confronting the underlying racism within the healthcare landscape.

“I had to find the right person who we could work alongside, so I could give the baby loss narrative to somebody who could hold it sacredly, but also tell it from a stats and a reality point of view,” Vosper stated.

Creative Team and Impact

22+1 boasts a talented team including musician Dan Smith from Bastille, who composed the original score, and Academy Award-nominated sound designer Oliver Tarney. The film has already garnered attention from key figures in the UK healthcare system.

A recent screening at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital for leading health officials, including Kate Brintworth, the Chief Midwifery Officer for England, prompted the National Health Service (NHS) to explore adopting the film as a training resource for maternity services. The UK Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has also expressed interest in a parliamentary screening, and discussions are underway with Baroness Amos, who is spearheading an examination into maternal trauma and racial disparities.

The production team, supported by EON Productions and 3A Productions, funded the project over four years. Vosper noted encountering instances of misogyny during the production process, despite her extensive experience in the magazine industry, beginning at i-D magazine alongside Edward Enninful.

Key Statistics: Maternal Mortality Rates

Region	Maternal Mortality Rate (per 100,000 live births) – Black Women	Maternal Mortality Rate (per 100,000 live births) – White Women
United Kingdom	>2x higher	Baseline
United States	3x Higher	Baseline

Did you Know? According to the World health Organization, approximately 800 women die every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Pro Tip: Advocate for improved data collection and analysis to better understand the root causes of maternal mortality disparities.

The filmmakers’ ultimate goal is to secure a distribution deal that will allow 22+1 to reach a global audience and contribute to lasting change in maternal healthcare.

The Ongoing Crisis of Maternal Mortality

Maternal mortality remains a significant global health challenge. While progress has been made in reducing overall rates, disparities persist across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.Factors contributing to these disparities include systemic racism, implicit bias in healthcare, limited access to quality care, and underlying health conditions.

Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach, including increased investment in maternal healthcare infrastructure, improved training for healthcare providers on cultural competency and implicit bias, expanded access to prenatal and postnatal care, and policies that address social determinants of health. The film 22+1 serves as a powerful catalyst for these crucial conversations.

Frequently asked Questions about Maternal Mortality

• What is maternal mortality? It refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy or within a year of childbirth.
• Why are Black women at higher risk of maternal mortality? Systemic racism and disparities in healthcare access contribute to the increased risk.
• What can be done to address maternal mortality disparities? Improving healthcare access, addressing implicit bias, and investing in maternal healthcare are crucial steps.
• How does the film 22+1 address this issue? the film brings awareness to the issue through the story of a woman navigating pregnancy loss and systemic racism.
• What role can healthcare professionals play? Healthcare providers can improve care by addressing implicit biases and providing culturally-sensitive care.
• Is maternal mortality a global problem? Yes, maternal mortality is a significant global concern, notably in developing countries.
• where can I learn more about maternal health resources? Visit the CDC’s Maternal Mortality page for more information.

What are your thoughts on the importance of addressing racial disparities in healthcare? Do you believe films like 22+1 can be effective tools for social change?

how does Olivia’s role as an observer contribute to the unraveling of secrets among the established group of friends?

Decoding the Complexities of ’22+1′ with its Leading Ladies

The London Film Festival (LFF) buzzed with excitement following a especially insightful panel discussion featuring Pippa Bennett-Warner and Pippa Vosper, the stars of the gripping new drama, ’22+1′. The film, a powerful exploration of grief, identity, and the enduring bonds of female friendship, has quickly become a talking point within the festival circuit. This article delves into the key takeaways from their conversation, offering insights into the making of ’22+1′, character development, and the film’s resonating themes.

The Genesis of a Powerful Story: ’22+1′ Plot & Themes

’22+1′ centers around a group of women grappling with the sudden loss of a friend. The narrative unfolds over a weekend retreat, 22 years after a pivotal event and with the addition of a new member to their circle – the 21st. The film tackles complex issues such as:

* Grief and Trauma: The long-term effects of loss and the different ways individuals process trauma are central to the storyline.

* Female Friendship: the film showcases the strength, complexities, and sometimes fraught dynamics of long-lasting female bonds.

* Identity and Secrets: Each character harbors secrets and confronts questions about their own identity, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative.

* Past vs. present: The film skillfully interweaves past events with present-day consequences, highlighting how the past continues to shape the characters’ lives.

Pippa Bennett-Warner on Portraying Sophie

Pippa Bennett-Warner, known for her compelling performances in projects like His Dark Materials and The Witcher, discussed the challenges and rewards of embodying Sophie, a character wrestling with a particularly heavy burden of guilt and regret.

* Character Research: Bennett-Warner emphasized the extensive research she undertook, speaking with individuals who had experienced similar losses to ensure an authentic portrayal.

* Emotional Depth: She described the process of accessing Sophie’s emotional core as “exhausting but ultimately cathartic,” highlighting the importance of vulnerability in her performance.

* Collaboration with the Director: Bennett-Warner praised the director’s open communication and willingness to explore the nuances of Sophie’s character, allowing for a collaborative and enriching creative process.

* Sophie’s Arc: The actress revealed that sophie’s journey is one of confronting the past and ultimately finding a path towards self-forgiveness.

Pippa Vosper and the Nuances of Olivia

Pippa Vosper, a rising star in British cinema, shared her experiences playing Olivia, the newest addition to the group and an outsider looking in.

* Navigating Group Dynamics: Vosper spoke about the difficulty of portraying a character entering an established dynamic, emphasizing the need to convey Olivia’s sense of both curiosity and apprehension.

* Olivia as an Observer: She explained that Olivia serves as a crucial observer, prompting the other characters to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their shared history.

* Building Trust with Co-Stars: Vosper highlighted the importance of building strong relationships with Bennett-Warner and the rest of the cast to create a believable sense of camaraderie and tension on screen.

* The Weight of Secrets: Olivia’s own secrets contribute to the film’s overarching theme of hidden truths and the consequences of keeping them buried.

The Director’s Vision & Production Details

While the actresses were understandably focused on their characters, they also offered glimpses into the director’s vision for ’22+1′.

* Atmospheric Setting: The film’s remote and atmospheric setting plays a significant role in creating a sense of isolation and claustrophobia, mirroring the characters’ internal struggles.

* visual Storytelling: The director employed a subtle yet effective visual style, using lighting and cinematography to enhance the emotional impact of key scenes.

* Emphasis on Dialog: The film relies heavily on dialogue, allowing the characters’ complex relationships and inner conflicts to unfold organically.

* Independent Film Production: ’22+1′ is an independent production, showcasing the power of independent filmmaking to tackle challenging and thought-provoking themes.

’22+1′ – A Film for Discussion and Reflection

The LFF panel discussion underscored that ’22+1′ is more than just a drama; it’s