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The intimate and sensitive How to Have an American Baby traces the underground birth industry from Beijing to Los Angeles.
This creative documentary takes us behind the closed doors of the booming shadow economy catering to Chinese tourists who travel to the US to give birth in order to obtain US citizenship for their babies. Told through a series of intimately observed, interwoven storylines, we meet expectant mothers, maternity hotel operators, local doctors, and the birth tourism agents in China who fuel this industry. Inside bedrooms, delivery rooms, and private family meetings, the story of a hidden global economy emerges, depicting the aspirations and anxieties, fortunes and tragedies that befall the ordinary people caught up in its web of influence. In English and Mandarin with English subtitles. (117 mins., DCP)
Supported by Film/Video Studio residencies in 2020, 2022, and 2023.
See the entire Picture Lock lineup.
IMAGE CAPTION
How to Have an American Baby, courtesy of the artist.
Picture Lock 2025 was co-organized by Film/Video Studio Director Jennifer Lange and Film/Video Studio Graduate Research Associate Allie Mickle.
FILM/VIDEO PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE BY
Ohio Humanities
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY
Rohauer Collection Foundation
WEXNER CENTER PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE BY
Greater Columbus Arts Council
The Wexner Family
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Mellon Foundation
Every Page Foundation
Ohio Arts Council, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts
CampusParc
Nationwide Foundation
Lois S. and H. Roy Chope Fund of The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation
Axium Packaging
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY
Ohio History Fund/Ohio History Connection
David Crane and Elizabeth Dang
Louise Lambert Braver
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How to Have an American Baby
