Milk

Through an intimate and artistic lens, Milk brings a universal perspective on the politics, commercialization and controversies surrounding birth and infant feeding over the canvas of stunningly beautiful visuals and poignant voices from around the globe. Inspiring, informative, provocative and sensitive, Milk celebrates bringing a new life into this world with a strong call to action and reflection. From the presence of milk donations in emergency situations, to the challenges of establishing milk banks after the closures faced in the 80’s due to the HIV outbreak, to new mothers battling to get the appropriate medical support, to the judgment placed on women who bottle feed their babies, to the stigma surrounding mothers who breast-feed their toddlers, and to the controversy of breastfeeding in public, this polarized topic surrounding birth and infant feeding sets off an emotional and personal debate. In a highly eroticized culture it is hard for some to remember that breasts have uses beyond selling cars, beer, and, well, sex. Overall Milk investigates the overarching themes surrounding the commercialization of infant feeding and its effects on child mortality, as well as the challenges it presents to adequate health worker training and the judgment placed on women regardless of how they choose to feed their babies. Milk also contrasts the roots of Mother Nature juxtaposed with the institutional industrialized way in which we receive a new life into this world. In a seamless narrative, Milk follows stories of mothers from different cultures on a world journey spanning 11 countries, as it reveals the universal issues and challenges facing motherhood and birth today. The women and their personal and compelling stories epitomize the important global phenomenon of beliefs and actions taking place and presenting serious obstacles to women during this important time in their lives.