We often have clear ideas about motherhood, but we talk surprisingly rarely about how diverse, contradictory, and challenging it actually is.
This is where the Film and Dialogue Festival FRAUENSTARK comes in, with its focus on “m/otherhood,” exploring individual experiences, social realities, and political contexts from a feminist perspective. The festival centers on issues of gender justice as well as aspects of reproductive and mental health.
Over the course of five evenings of film screenings and discussions, we shed light on controversial, taboo, and painful aspects, challenge normative notions of motherhood and family, and rethink care work as a collective responsibility: The Austrian thriller “Mother’s Baby” takes on society’s promise of happiness through motherhood and reveals its dark underbelly. In the Brazilian documentary “Apolo,” Ísis Broken and Lourenzo Duvale, a trans couple, chronicle their shared search for respectful medical care. “Les Courageux,” from Valais, offers a loving alternative to bourgeois notions of motherhood and morality through the story of Jule, a single mother.
The films explore motherhood and parenthood from an intersectional perspective. They highlight how patriarchal power structures shape lives around the world and foster a sense of connection between different life experiences and ways of living. Through its film discussions, FRAUENSTARK brings together audiences, experts, activists, and artists to foster exchange, networking, and feminist solidarity.
The health of mothers and children has played a central role for IAMANEH Switzerland since its founding. With the focus theme “m/otherhood,” FRAUENSTARK takes up this cause and, as part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” invites you to let stories about motherhood and parenthood move, challenge, and inspire you. Together, we want to question norms, address taboos, and think beyond them.
Jasmin Gordon, Switzerland 2024, 80 min OV*/D
Zipporah Nyaruri, Kenya, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands 2025, 85 min OV*/E
Johanna Moder, Austria, Switzerland Germany 2025,109 min OV*/
Judith Beuth, Germany, Norway 2024, 105 min OV
Tainá Müller & Ísis Broken, Brasil 2025, 83 min OV*/E
Valéry Carnoy, France, Belgium 2025, 94 min OV*/D, FSK: ab 12
As part of its focus theme “m/otherhood,” the Film Festival FRAUENSTARK explores diverse experiences of motherhood and parenthood. The film and discussion evenings address personal, social, and political issues—including topics that may be emotionally taxing or considered taboo, either personally or socially. We aim to create a space where diverse life realities and perspectives are welcomed, and where people feel as safe, respected, and welcome as possible.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, the theater is not wheelchair accessible. You have the option to watch the film screening for free in the lobby. If you have any questions or specific needs, please feel free to contact the event team.
Our Approach
We view awareness as a shared responsibility. We all play a part in creating a respectful, safe, and non-discriminatory space. Even difficult and controversial topics have a place at FRAUENSTARK. At the same time, the dignity, boundaries, and diverse life experiences of those present must be respected.
This includes: respecting personal boundaries, acknowledging different life experiences and perspectives, being mindful of language and content, and seeking support if a situation becomes uncomfortable or distressing.
Sensitivity to Content and Potential Triggers
The films and discussions may bring up personal experiences, triggers, or emotions. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: pregnancy and childbirth, pregnancy loss, infertility, mental health challenges related to parenthood, medical procedures, discrimination in the healthcare system, experiences of violence, and societal norms surrounding family, the body, gender, and parenthood.
Awareness Team
Awareness responsibles will be on site during the events. They will be introduced at the beginning of the event and easily identifiable during the festival.
You can reach out to the Awareness Team if you feel uncomfortable, experience a situation as discriminatory or inappropriate, find the content distressing, or need support for any other reason.
In collaboration with
Expectations – geplant und ungeplant kinderfrei (Kinderwunsch Peer-Support), Fachbereich Ethnologie Universität Basel, neues kino Basel, Sexuelle Gesundheit Baselland, Zentrum Gender Studies Universität Basel (ZGS)
Funded by
Christoph Merian Stiftung, GGG Basel, Kanton Basel-Stadt, Swisslos-Fonds Kanton Basel-Landschaft
We would like to thank
Bajour, Balimage, Bindungshaus Basel, Büro für Feminismus, Filmcoopi Zürich, Grandfilm Nürnberg, KOKONEO Grafik + Raum, Männerbüro Basel, Outside the Box Lausanne, Periparto, PROZ – Kultur im Raum Basel, Rise and Shine Cinema Hamburg, Stadtkino Basel, Superspace - Urs Beyler, The Party Film Sales Paris, Utopic Docs
