The Labour of Pain and Joy, Karoliina’s debut feature and the first completed feature to have been developed through Antares, premieres at CPH:DOX 2024
Childbirth can be simultaneously a shattering yet magnificent experience. Two Finnish birth experts – midwife Kirsi and doula Anna-Riitta – work to improve birth practices and empower birth givers, believing that giving birth is an experience that affects a person’s entire life. The Labour of Pain and Joy explores the paradox of birth intimately by following the work, preparations, expectations and conversations Kirsi and Anna-Riitta have with their clients and colleagues, both at a labour ward and at home births. The personal stories and views of the two professionals also illuminate their own relationship with childbirth.
The Labour of Pain and Joy is written and directed by Karoliina Gröndahl and produced by Kirsi Mattila from Icebreaker Productions.
Documentary Film Collective Antares 