Context:

In an innovative documentary titled 'M/other,' three women engage in candid discussions about their choice to remain child-free by swapping mothers and speaking to each other's moms instead of their own. Despite societal pressures and the perception of child-free women as selfish or incomplete, the filmmaker, Iris Zaki, aims to bring visibility and understanding to their personal decisions. The film, shot in Israel in 2023, captures the intimate and ongoing dialogue between these women and their friends' mothers, addressing the challenges of communicating personal life choices to family members. Through this creative experiment, the film seeks to foster empathy and broaden the conversation about women's autonomy and life choices. Zaki, a Tel Aviv-based filmmaker, has previously produced other notable works for the New York Times' Op-Docs series, which showcases opinionated documentaries by independent filmmakers.

Dive Deeper:

• The documentary 'M/other' features three women who, instead of discussing their decision to be child-free with their own mothers, choose to have these conversations with each other's mothers, creating a unique dynamic and perspective.

• Iris Zaki, the filmmaker, addresses the societal stigma surrounding women who decide not to have children, often labeled as broken or selfish, and seeks to portray their experiences and choices on screen.

• Filmed in Israel in 2023, the documentary captures personal and honest conversations, providing an insightful look into how different generations perceive women's autonomy over their bodies and life choices.

• The initiative aims to foster understanding and empathy, challenging traditional views on motherhood and the expectation that women should have children.

• Zaki's work is part of the Op-Docs series by The New York Times, which is dedicated to presenting short, impactful documentaries that offer independent filmmakers a platform for sharing their perspectives.

• The documentary also serves as a reflection on the broader societal debate regarding women's rights to make autonomous decisions about their lives without facing judgment or pressure.

• By sharing these stories, the film hopes to contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic discourse on women's rights and personal choices, encouraging individuals to consider the diversity of experiences and perspectives.