Matrescence – the hidden world of M/otherhood

Matrescence addresses the widespread lack of recognition and support for the profound transformation that occurs when someone becomes a mother. Most people enter motherhood without understanding the emotional, psychological, and physical changes they will undergo. This gap in knowledge leaves many feeling isolated, ashamed, and unsupported—especially when their experiences don’t match idealised narratives. The film highlights how patriarchal systems, inadequate healthcare, and societal silence contribute to trauma, identity loss, and maternal mental health struggles. By naming this transition through scientific research and sharing diverse global stories, Matrescence calls for a cultural shift: one that values motherhood as a complex developmental passage requiring community, compassion, and systemic change.

We are planning an ambitious impact campaign around the key issues in this film, including screenings at Film Festivals globally and community-driven events in cities in Australia, NZ, USA and UK. These events will be co-supported by key influencers, academics and leaders in the maternal wellbeing space, and include post-screening panels and Q&As, as well as actionable calls-to-action and follow-up activities for the audience and community members.
The campaign will be focused on building awareness and education about Matrescence and the importance of better supporting mothers through this enormous transition into parenthood, plus supportive resources for family members, communities, health care professionals and organisations.

We hope to ignite a cultural shift in how society understands and supports motherhood by bringing the concept of matrescence into the mainstream. Through this film, we aim to give language to a universal yet largely unspoken transition, validate the experiences of mothers worldwide and reduce shame and isolation. We want to influence how health systems, workplaces and communities approach maternal care, mental health and identity, advocating for more compassionate, informed and inclusive support structures. Ultimately, we want Matrescence to act as a catalyst for systemic and personal change—empowering mothers, educating professionals and building stronger, more connected communities.

We are planning to release this film through the festival circuit and then community screenings followed by a digital release through our existing online audiences using VOD. The film will also be shown as part of Matrescence Festival which is an annual event both in the UK and Australia. We are planning to tour the film alongside Matrescence Festival and also in combination with smaller Matrescence Brunch style events too across Australia and the UK with Q and As that are parent accessible. It will also be available for download on our website for a fee.
Digital Audience:
Claire Tonti is an award winning podcast host and co-founder of Matrescence Festival both here in Australia and Overseas. Through her album Matrescence, her podcast TONTS. m/otherhood events and festivals she has built on online following of over 10,000 members that is invested in Matrescence work. Claire’s media company Big Sandwich Media has an engaged online community of over 1 million YouTube subscribers globally.
Amy Taylor-Kabbaz is a former-journalist and award-winning producer for 15 years with the ABC, best-selling author, podcast host and Matrescence Facilitator. With an Honours Degree in International Politics and a post-graduate degree in International Development specialising in empowering women in developing countries, she combines research, story-telling and her lived experience to her work, leading cultural and workplace change through her global training and leading a community of thousands of mothers around the world, positioning her as one of the world’s leading specialists in the field of Matrescence.

Our calls to action will invite audiences to:
– Learn the language of matrescence – by naming the transition, individuals can better understand and communicate their experiences.
– Share their own stories – breaking the silence helps reduce shame and build solidarity.
– Engage with educational resources – including guides for parents, health professionals, and workplaces available on our website.
– Host or attend community screenings – fostering local conversations and connection.
– Advocate for systemic change – encouraging better policies around parental leave, maternal healthcare, and mental health support.
– Support matrescence-informed care – in professional and personal spheres.
These actions aim to build a more compassionate, informed, and connected culture around motherhood.