New York’s Only Reproductive Rights Film Festival Returns to Ithaca for Its Fourth Year
September 15–19, 2026 | Ithaca, New York
The Reproductive Rights Film Festival, New York State’s only film festival dedicated to reproductive rights, returns to Ithaca this September for its fourth year.
Featuring free film screenings, virtual programs, and opportunities for conversation, the festival brings filmmakers, advocates, and community members together to share stories, spark dialogue, and build community around reproductive rights.
This year’s theme, “Here and Everywhere,” reflects the festival’s focus on reproductive rights as both a local and global issue, with films offering diverse perspectives from New York, across the United States, and around the world.
All festival films and programs are free and open to the public.
Festival Highlights
Virtual Programs
Join us online for two free virtual programs:
No One Is Coming to Save Us: Doulas, Midwives
and Community-Based Pregnancy Care - Register here
Tuesday, September 8 | 7:00–8:30 p.m. ET
This virtual event brings together doulas and Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) to discuss the challenges, triumphs, and future of full-spectrum, community-based pregnancy care.
Emerging Filmmakers Making Films on Gender, Reproductive Rights, and Equality - Register here
Thursday, September 10 | 7:00–8:00 p.m. ET
This program brings together winning filmmakers from the festival, featuring clips from their work followed by a moderated conversation about their films, creative processes, and the broader issues their work explores.
Campus Screenings
The festival will feature two free screenings at local college campuses. Both events are open to the public.
Power Alley (Levante) - Cornell University Film Forum
Tuesday, September 15 | 7:00 p.m.
Power Alley is a gripping Brazilian drama that follows Sofia, a spirited teenage volleyball player from a modest background whose life takes a dramatic turn when she faces an unwanted pregnancy. Set against the backdrop of São Paulo and a society shaped by rigid conservatism and restrictions on reproductive rights, Sofia’s story becomes a powerful fight for autonomy and identity.
On The Divide - Ithaca College Park Auditorium, In-person Q&A with directors Leah Galant and Maya Cueva
Wednesday, September 16 | 8:00 p.m.
ON THE DIVIDE follows the story of three Latinx people living in McAllen, Texas who, despite their views, are connected by the most unexpected of places: the last abortion clinic in the U.S./Mexico border. As threats to the clinic and their personal safety mount, our three characters are forced to make decisions they never could have imagined.
Cinemapolis Screenings
Cinemapolis
120 E. Green Street, Ithaca, NY
Thursday, September 17 | 7:00 p.m. | Arrest the Midwife
The arrest of trusted midwives ignites an unexpected rebellion, as Amish and Mennonite women break from tradition and emerge as fierce political activists — joining the broader fight for reproductive justice.
Friday, September 18 | 7:00 p.m. |No Más Bebés
The story of immigrant mothers who sued county doctors, the state, and the U.S. government after they were pushed into sterilizations while giving birth at the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center during the 1960s and 70s.
Saturday, September 19 | 3:00 p.m. | Selection of Short Films
The winning films of our 2026 short film competition, featuring animation, documentary, and narrative shorts from Turkey, China, Canada, and the United States.
Saturday, September 19 | 7:00 p.m. |Never Rarely Sometimes Always
Faced with an unintended pregnancy and lack of local support, a pair of teenage girls in rural Pennsylvania travel to New York City to seek abortion care.
Film, Conversation, Community
The Reproductive Rights Film Festival uses the power of film to bring reproductive rights stories into the community. By connecting filmmakers, advocates, and audiences, the festival creates space for diverse experiences, meaningful conversation, and greater understanding.
Free admission. Open to everyone.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
CNY NOW support from NOW Foundation 60th Anniversary Chapter Action Grant
“Fantastic festival! I particularly appreciated the recognition of our talented cast and crew. An incredibly supportive, professional and vibrant festival with an amazing selection of films. Highly recommend!”
“Such a great festival, learned so much from the films screened. Very welcoming towards their filmmakers!”
ABOUT END ABORTION STIGMA
End Abortion Stigma (EAS) was founded in 2015 with a mission to share individual stories of life before the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. EAS members have shared their experiences through films, plays, rallies, public statements, and advocacy for legislation supporting safe abortion access.
