How to Have an American Baby

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 (Leslie Tai, 2023). 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. 

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