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Malqueridas

View on the Pragda STREAM site

An intimate exploration of life inside a Chilean women’s prison, where incarcerated mothers are allowed to keep their children with them until the age of two. After this point, the mothers lose control over who cares for their children and whether they can maintain contact with them.

The documentary is constructed entirely from clandestinely shot cell phone footage and still photographs taken by the inmates themselves, providing an unfiltered and deeply personal perspective on their experiences. Through these fragmented visuals, the film captures the daily struggles of more than 20 mothers.

Director Tana Gilbert’s decision to preserve the original vertical format of the footage and re-digitize it to create a physical presence underscores the film’s commitment to authenticity.

Themes of motherhood, powerlessness, longing, and resilience are interwoven with moments of mutual support and affection among the prisoners, highlighting how solidarity becomes a form of resistance and empowerment.

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