Aftershock Tour 2023

“We want the film to be a tool that sparks conversation with people from all walks of life so that we can talk about the very real human solutions that can help save lives. The last thing we wanted to do was to present a problem, shrug our shoulders and say good luck. Our hope is that Aftershock can be used to be a part of the solution.”                 

• Tonya Lewis Lee, 2022

The film Aftershock is a maternal health  documentary produced and directed by Movita Founder, Tonya Lewis Lee and acclaimed director Paula Eiselt. The film premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, and examines the U.S. maternal mortality crisis and the importance of quality prenatal health, especially for Black women. The Center for Disease Control Prevention refers to the disproportionately high rate of maternal deaths amongst Black and Brown birthing people who are dying at 3 times the rate of their White counterparts. Through collective journeys of affected families, the film brings us to the front lines of the growing birth justice movement that is demanding systemic change within our medical system and government. Aftershock has received numerous awards including a 2023 Peabody Award, a 2022 Sundance Special Jury Impact for Change Award, an NIHMC Award and a 2023 Emmy Award nomination. 

During a 6-month community grassroots tour, by Picture Motion, Aftershock was screened in 40+ states and over 125+ cities, bringing over 20K people including legislators and celebrities together across the country to watch and discuss the film. 

Tonya Lews Lee's commitment to her Aftershock screenings remains steadfast as she actively demonstrates her support by participating in various events. One notable occasion was the 52nd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. During this event, visionaries, activists, and leaders from around the world, who are actively shaping the future of African Americans and the global Black community, gathered to advocate for advancement and equity. Tonya also attended the Mental Wealth Expo, a event co-hosted by the March of Dimes, where she serves on the Board. She was invited to be a panelist in discussions about maternal and mental health. Tonya emphasized the importance of promoting visibility and addressing the challenges faced by Black and Brown birthing individuals in the US.

The campaign to raise awareness continues as "Aftershock" reaches college campuses. At Yale School of Nursing (YSN), Tonya was featured in the Centennial Conversation on Health & Medicine. Additionally, the film received recognition at Harvard University's Hutchins Center for African and African American Research in collaboration with The Resilient Sisterhood Project. In addition, The Resilient Sisterhood Project and Wellesley College co-sponsored an event that highlighted the film's impact on the maternal mortality epidemic in the US. Tonya and Paula participated in a panel discussion following the screening, engaging in meaningful conversations about the film's powerful message.

_________________________

According to Healthline, it's recommended that women continue taking prenatal vitamins for at least 6 months after giving birth to replenish their nutrient stores. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) goes a step further, recommending in the frequently asked questions section key vitamins and minerals, that prenatal vitamins should be taken throughout the breastfeeding journey. On their website, this page was modified in 2023.  

In this context, Movita's prenatal vitamins stand out as a crucial and natural means of supporting the transformative journey into motherhood. What distinguishes Movita is their patented fermentation process, which results in natural, nutrient-rich supplements with higher bioactivity compared to conventional vitamins. Not only are Movita's prenatal multivitamins gentle on the stomach, but they also provide the essential everyday vitamins and minerals necessary for your well-being and the healthy growth of your baby.

Additionally, it's worth highlighting that midwives and doulas have been linked to improved maternal health outcomes, leading to reduced rates of medical intervention during pregnancy. Movita takes pride in aligning itself with this movement, providing access to valuable resources led by dedicated birth workers and birthing individuals. Our objective is to ensure that every pregnant person receives the support and care they require and desire, including access to skilled doulas and midwives, thereby enhancing their overall pregnancy experience.

Calls to Action:

• Check out Movita’s prenatal vitamins & organic supplements and gift a subscription to a loved one/friend who is expecting.
• Aftershock is currently streaming on Hulu. If you are interested in hosting a screening or watching as a group, check out this host toolkit. Follow Aftershock on social media (@aftershockdoc) to learn about future screenings, activations, and opportunities.
• Help support the Bronx birthing center shown in the film, The Birthing Place, through a donation.
• To honor the life of Shamony Gibson and support transformative maternal health activism in her memory, please contribute to the ARIAH Foundation.
• To honor the life of Amber Rose Issac and support transformative maternal health activism in her memory, please contribute to the Save a Rose Foundation.
• Reach out to your Members of Congress to make your voice heard about why this issue matters to you. Look up your Representative here and find information about your Senators here.
• Join the efforts of community-based organizations that are leading critical initiatives where you live and nationally. Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of organizations on the frontlines of our maternal mortality crisis.