Ours to Tell (Film)

Creative Challenge:

Even prior to the fall of Roe in America, abortion access across the country was being subtly, but consistently attacked and access undermined. Over a decade, there had been an unprecedented number of state abortion restrictions introduced and passed. These restrictions disproportionately widen health care access gaps for people of color, and those with low incomes.

Planned Parenthood heard stories day after day from diverse women and people across the country who chose an abortion at some point in their lives. We asked 4 to tell us about their lives and their abortions to demonstrate that someone you know or love has had an abortion and each choice is a personal one.

Creative Solution: 

“Ours to Tell” was a short film, created by Planned Parenthood, in partnership with We Testify, an organization that exists to destigmatize abortion in America. Directed by Academy Award winner, Rayka Zeytabchi and a diverse crew, the short film introduced an authentic perspective on the importance of access to safe, legal abortion. 

The film launched on January 21, 2020 the day before the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and prior to the fall. The multi-channel activation occurred via live screenings, earned and paid media, organic and paid social, supporter engagement emails and SMS and included an influencer and brand campaign to promote it. A media launch at the Roxy Screening room occurred on the anniversary of the legislation, January 22.

The film defends the power of choice and access to safe, and legal abortion in this county and encourages understanding and compassion. 1 in 4 women choose to have an abortion in their lifetime and despite near constant political attacks and increased risk of further limitations, the vast majority of Americans from all political parties support access.

Overview: Without shame and without fear "Ours to Tell" is short film that depicts four people who share their abortion stories and walk in their truth. By owning the lives they choose what unfolds is an unfiltered and poetic demonstration of how the right to access abortion acts as a dynamic turning point in an individual's journey to freedom and self love. Each with different perspectives and experiences, the film's subjects — Brittany, Hannah, Nick and Ylonda — take us inside their worlds, their families, their souls and boldly illustrate the beauty and power of bodily autonomy. As we watch, listen and love each storyteller we also bear witness to a chilling reality: The fundamental freedom to own our body and future has never been more uncertain than it is today. 

The film was accepted into over 35 film festivals and won a series of awards both nationally and internationally. Some of those include:

The Gold and Royal Gem Diamond Awards (Queen Palm International Film Festival)

Best Documentary Film of August 2020 from Direct Monthly Online Film Festival

Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary Short at the Women’s Film Festival San Diego

Best Short Documentary Film at the Chi-Town Multicultural Film Festival

Finalist at the Arizona Short Film Festival

Senior Creative Director and Executive Producer: Elizabeth Bawol
Co-Executive Producers: Lauren Garcimonde-Fisher, Ylonda Gault
Vice President of Brand + Culture: Rachel Moreno
See also full production credits in film.