Representations of Maternity in Contemporary Spanish Documentaries

Introduction to the Study

• Mariona Avisa introduces the article on representations of maternity in contemporary Spanish documentaries, co-authored with Margarita Car and Lorenzo Torres. The research is part of the "Math Screen" project funded by a research agency.

Relevance and Context

• The study addresses a paradox: while maternity holds significant symbolic and cultural weight, reproductive processes (like menstruation, infertility, childbirth, abortion, postpartum, and menopause) have historically been marginalized or narrated through institutional discourses.

• Current societal transformations include declining birth rates, diverse family models, expanded assisted reproduction rights, and changes in sexual health care. The study questions whether contemporary Spanish documentaries reflect these changes and what narratives they construct around maternity.

Key Findings

• There is a clear expansion of themes represented in current documentaries. Topics include voluntary interruption of pregnancy, chosen non-maternity, late motherhood, infertility, postpartum experiences, obstetric violence, and motherhood in vulnerable social contexts.

• A significant shift towards first-person narratives has been identified; many works are autobiographical or based on direct testimonies. This trend emphasizes lived experience over institutional mediation.

• Increased visibility of female figures involved in reproductive support is noted—particularly midwives—and the use of women's voices as a narrative and political axis.

Tensions within Narratives

• Despite progressive narratives, traditional discourses persist. Some documentaries advocate for physiological childbirth while reinforcing stereotypes like that of the "courageous mother." Additionally, there is a notable absence of LGBTQ+ maternal representations despite social diversity.

Contribution to Research

• The article provides a systematic overview of contemporary Spanish documentary films about maternity—a previously unorganized area. It also catalogs works in an online database called "Mater Screen," which serves as an open resource for audiovisual materials related to reproductive processes.

• The research offers critical insights into how audiovisual imaginaries surrounding maternity are evolving but highlights limited circulation; most analyzed works are found on platforms like Filmin which restrict their broader social impact.