February 26, 2026
The documentary seeks to ignite deeper conversations concerning the healthcare disparities affecting Black moms.
As the 57th NAACP Image Awards inch nearer, The Ebony Canal is up for Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film), the primary time a maternal health documentary has been acknowledged within the awards’ historical past.
The movie’s narrator, Viola Davis, can also be making ready to obtain the NAACP Chairman’s Award at this 12 months’s ceremony, themed “We See You.”
The message aligns intently with the documentary’s mission, which explores the intersection of toddler mortality disparities and the maternal well being disaster affecting Black girls, whereas championing solution-driven approaches aimed toward advancing care and saving Black moms and infants.
The groundbreaking documentary, which is about to display screen on the upcoming BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit, spotlights tales typically missed by mainstream platforms and reframes Black maternal well being and toddler mortality as pressing nationwide points. Its nomination displays a rising recognition that highly effective storytelling is deeply related to public well being, coverage, and fairness.
“This nomination displays the facility of intentional cinematic storytelling,” mentioned filmmaker Emmai Alaquiva. “As a Black man, father, husband and director, I really feel that it’s my duty to make use of the whole lot in my God-given arsenal to make sure that Black maternal well being just isn’t a distinct segment difficulty. It is a public well being precedence and a cultural fact. To have this story acknowledged on one of the vital revered levels in our group is deeply significant.”
The movie explores the humanity and inequities shaping Black motherhood via the tales of Mariah Peoples, Rachel Strader, Alana Yzola Daly, and Larissa Lane. It additionally options commentary from Vice President Kamala Harris, Lamman Rucker, and Elaine Welteroth, with artistic contributions by Keke Palmer and an unique rating by Grammy-nominated producer Bud’da.
Backed by knowledge and evaluation from maternal well being skilled Dr. Margaret Larkins Pettigrew, the documentary underscores the systemic realities impacting Black households.
The documentary seeks to ignite deeper conversations about the healthcare disparities affecting Black moms. The Ebony Canal has screened in communities and movie festivals nationwide and overseas, bringing collectively well being professionals, policymakers, advocates, and households to drive dialogue. The movie continues to behave as a catalyst for schooling, coverage consciousness, and collective motion.
The Image Awards will happen on Saturday, Feb. 28.
RELATED CONTENT: The Ebony Canal’ Wins Best Documentary For Social Impact At 2025 ESSENCE Film Festival
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