A desperate teenager faces an impossible choice
Terrified of telling her parents that she’s pregnant as restrictions to abortion access worsen, a desperate teenager seeks the help of a reclusive neighbor who her parents warned her about. Mosquito Lady was created in reaction to the terrifying state of reproductive rights. This film features the manananggal, a vampiric, fetus-eating creature from Philippine folklore that endures excruciatingly painful werewolf-like transformations, to highlight the consequences of restricting access to abortion and sexual health education, and to use it as a metaphor for the horrors of losing bodily autonomy.
Impact in Action
Learn about the impact of this film on communities.
Mosquito Lady: A Catalyst for Change in Reproductive Rights
In a world where reproductive rights are under constant threat, Mosquito Lady serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for awareness and action. This compelling short film not only tells the haunting story of a desperate teenager but also sheds light on the grim realities faced by countless individuals due to restrictive abortion laws.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, nearly 25 million unsafe abortions occur annually in countries with stringent abortion laws, leading to approximately 22,800 deaths each year. Mosquito Lady utilizes the metaphor of the manananggal—a vampiric creature from Philippine folklore—to symbolize the pain of losing bodily autonomy. This narrative forces viewers to confront the consequences of inadequate access to reproductive health services, especially for low-income women, who are disproportionately affected; 97% of abortions in low-income regions are unsafe, compared to just 12% in wealthier areas.
The film not only raises awareness but also inspires action. Kristine Gerolaga, the creator, is working on a feature-length version, aiming to deepen the conversation around reproductive rights and mobilize communities. By highlighting these critical issues, Mosquito Lady empowers audiences to advocate for change, making it more than just a film—it’s a movement towards ensuring safe and equitable reproductive health for all.
Impact Goals
Kristine is working on a feature length film version of this film. Your support helps to get this to the finish line, as well as fund the impact partnership creation upon official release.
Dive Deeper
Get to know more about the problem.
Learn more about the issue
Explore relevant research & latest news
Go the extra mile!
Where to Watch
Oops, we could not find any watch sources for this media.
FAQ
See more FAQs here.
Continue Exploring
Discover more stories and insights that align with your interests.
Similar Impact Campaigns
Check out these media campaigns with similar social themes and impact tags
CODA
Ruby is the only hearing member of a deaf family from Gloucester, Massachusetts. At 17, she works mornings before school to help her parents and brother keep their fishing business afloat. But in joining her high school's choir club, Ruby finds herself drawn to both her duet partner and her latent passion for singing.
In The Heights
In Washington Heights, N.Y., the scent of warm coffee hangs in the air just outside of the 181st St. subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies a vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is a likable and magnetic bodega owner who hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.
Related Articles
Read our blog on the state of impact entertainment and Empact updates!
Empact: on turning empathy into action
Transforming emotional stories into actionable social change, Empact empowers filmmakers and brands to create impactful entertainment and meaningful audience engagement.
Why every film should have an impact campaign
Explaining the importance of impact campaigns for filmmakers to engage audiences, spark action, and enhance a film's reach and legacy.