By Alex Silverman
Directed by Andrea Keating, Giving Women a Choice is a short documentary that highlights women in Guatemala who lack proper access to maternal care, healthcare, and long-term support.
The film centers on Manos Abiertas, an organization based in Antigua, Guatemala, whose mission is to provide mothers and their children with alternatives to the limited options often dictated by poverty and circumstance. Many of the women featured became mothers at a young age, some raising large families while facing ongoing economic and health challenges.
Through interviews with Manos Abiertas staff and the women they serve, the documentary shows how education, healthcare access, and community outreach can reshape lives. The film approaches each story with sensitivity and care, presenting both the organization and the women it supports in a compassionate and empowering light. Thanks to Andrea Keating and her production team, organizations like Manos Abiertas may receive the broader recognition they deserve.
Film Credits:
- Director: Andrea Keating
- Producer: Alicia Johnson
- Cinematographer: Morgan Coleman
- Editor: Aura Arana
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Alex is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a major in Comedic Writing & Performance and a minor in Writing for Television. Apart from his work as part of the Planet Classroom Network Film Selection team at CMRubinWorld, he is a sketch writer, and pursuing a career in acting in New York City.
