Venezuelan Heroine Fights for Women's Health

The documentary "The Cord" highlights the courageous efforts of Carolina, a community organizer in Venezuela, who is dedicated to ensuring women receive essential care during pregnancy and childbirth. Facing a severely broken health system, giving birth has become a dangerous ordeal, with expectant mothers required to secure all necessary medical supplies themselves.

Carolina, known only by her first name for safety, navigates this crisis with determination. Aided by her friend Yanni, she procures medications and equipment through a combination of resourcefulness and her extensive network. Her daily life involves extensive travel to support women, offering not just practical help but also emotional comfort and vigilance against potential abuse.

Beyond her immediate advocacy, Carolina is a complex individual striving for redemption. Haunted by a violent past, she is now training to become a midwife to expand her ability to help. The film sensitively portrays her multifaceted life, including her role as a mother to two daughters, one of whom is expecting, and her grounding faith.

Filmmaker Nolwenn Hervé’s compassionate lens captures Carolina’s interactions within her community, showcasing her constant endeavors to assist others. This includes distributing contraceptives and organizing protests against inadequate hospital care. Despite the gravity of her work, moments of joy, gossip, and celebration are evident in her relationships, particularly with her daughters and soon-to-be grandchild.