Filmmaker Statement

My home country of the Dominican Republic is a gem in the Atlantic. The pristine beaches and turquoise water are just as spectacular in real life as they appear on the brochure. But the DR also has one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy in the world, and abortion is illegal in all circumstances. In 2022, I had the opportunity to rewatch the film with the girls who form part of the film and are now of legal age. It was a touching experience, and I was glad that they enjoyed viewing themselves on the screen after years have passed. Now that Adrift has completed its festival run, and considering the need to support women’s stories due to the threat towards abortion legislation—both in the US and abroad—my team and I believe the timing is perfect for the online release of our documentary. Our hope is to transmit the message that as long as women are denied their full reproductive freedom, girls will keep getting pregnant, and the doors to opportunity will remain closed to them.