Animation as a Feminist Tool

In 2020, journalist Helen Ledwick launched her podcast Why Mums Don't Jump with a manifesto to help bust taboos surrounding incontinence, prolapse and pelvic pain after childbirth. As a backdrop to this the UK government published its 'Women's Health Strategy for England' that acknowledged there were gaps in research, training and education. Other affected women were also going public with fitness channels, books and podcasts. In 2022, Ledwick was invited to be a live-brief client for the 2nd year animation students at Falmouth University. The students produced a short 2D animated film that premiered at La Femme International Film Festival in Los Angeles in October 2023. The film captures the suffering women endure but also their optimism for the future they'd like to create. Reflecting on the process of making and distributing the film, this article makes a case for animation as a powerful feminist tool.

To watch the film CLICK HERE

To read the article CLICK HERE

To listen to Helen’s podcast CLICK HERE