Whatever side of the political spectrum one finds themselves on, reproductive rights are now such a large part of the cultural conversation that there's nowhere to hide from them. The new documentary Battleground is fully aware of the state of things, choosing to break down the anti-abortion movement into understandable parts for the involved observer rather than the blissfully ignorant. Screen Rant can exclusively present a new clip from the doc, which hones in on Texas' role in the battle for the nation.
After Battleground's world premiere at the 2022 Tribeca Festival, Roco Films and Abramorama are bringing the project to select theaters on October 7. Cynthia Lowen, who previously helmed Netizens and focused on the harassment women face online, uses her platform to explore the pro-life stance through the eyes of its staunchest supporters while still offering insight to advocates of reproductive rights when it comes to maintaining access. This is an especially valuable approach in the wake of fictional films and television series touching on the subject, such as BET's The Ms. Pat Show.
Screen Rant's exclusive clip from Battleground highlights Lowen's unobtrusive approach to the material, with the filmmaker remaining completely silent while interviewees share their perspectives on the abortion laws in Texas. Free from voiceovers or leading questions, audiences glean heartbreaking information from Dr. Joseph Nelson about how different things are in the Lone Star State. Courtney Chambers of the Whole Women's Health Alliance chimes in about how the "Heartbeat Act" may very well be unconstitutional, opening up a whole new avenue for debate.
Battleground Lays Bare The Anti-Abortion Argument
Lest a viewer should feel one side is being unfairly maligned in the discussion, Battleground's trailer has already made it clear that the anti-abortion movement will be telling their story in their own words. The same is true of the leaders on the front lines of the reproductive rights movement, with the camera serving as a catalyst for education and hopefully understanding.
Battleground incorporates several in-depth interviews with important figures on both sides of the ongoing tug of war. Some of the voices who speak out in the documentary include President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Alexis McGill Johnson, Former Planned Parenthood Alabama State Director Jenna King, Planned Parenthood Services Coordinator Samantha Blakely, President of the Center for Reproductive Rights Nancy Northup, Founder of Students for Life Kristan Hawkins, President of Susan B Anthony List Marjorie Dannenfelser, and Founder of Pro-Life SF Terrisa Bukovinac. Battleground was produced by Lowen herself alongside Rebecca Stern, and it was executive produced by Jeff Sobrato, Dexter Braff, Nicole Shipley, Ryan Harrington, and Ruth Ann Harnisch.
Battleground will be available in select theaters on October 7 and through Watch Now @ Home beginning October 14.