Conceiving Clara – Canadian Film Fest 2025
Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking
March 24 to March 29, 2025
FILM FESTIVAL
Canadian Film Fest
Canadian Film Fest 2025
A middle-aged midwife puts her health at risk to have a child in Conceiving Clara. Clara Winter-Durrani (Tajana Prka) is a 42-year-old midwife who, while helping other mothers give birth, is unable to conceive a child of her own. Exploring any option that she can, and receiving pressure from her mother-in-law Shirin (Hangama), Clara begins undergoing IVF treatments. However, these treatments take a major toll on Clara’s body, greatly concerning her husband Joe (Leo Solomon).
Conceiving Clara Synopsis
Conceiving Clara is a motherhood drama directed by Tarique Qayumi, which he wrote with the film’s German-born, Croatian star Tajana Prka. As the film begins, the titular protagonist is injecting herself with IVF drugs in an attempt to get pregnant, which is heavily encouraged by Clara’s husband Joe’s Indian family, particularly her mother-in-law Shirin. However, the drugs take their toll on Clara’s body, as she experiences dizzy spells and hair loss. This results in the question being raised as to whether having a baby is worth the cost of Clara’s well-being.
My Thoughts on Conceiving Clara
There is one point in Conceiving Clara where the protagonist is told, “you will never know what love is until you have a child.” Indeed, much of the plot involves a cultural conflict between Clara’s absent mother, who in phone calls frequently warns against the IVF treatments, and her Indian mother-in-law, Shirin, who enforces the traditional gender roles of women being destined for motherhood. The issue I ultimately have with Conceiving Clara is that it is difficult to feel empathy for Clara, especially as she puts her desire to have a baby ahead of her health.
Trailer for Conceiving Clara – Canadian Film Fest 2025
