Beyond Babyland

Filmmakers David Appleby and Craig Leake explore the social and economic underpinnings of inner-city Memphis' high infant mortality rate—which rivals that of many third-world countries—intercutting the stories of three families with comments from social service and healthcare workers. According to Beyond Babyland, kids in Memphis' poorer neighborhoods often grow up in fatherless homes and have no role models for good relationships; as a result, young girls not only long for attention, but often simply emulate each others' behavior. Kennetha, 16, whose father is in prison, says she and her boyfriend just don't think about the future. Not surprisingly, viewers learn that teenage moms rarely receive prenatal care, although in footage filmed in a neo-natal ICU we see medical personnel determined to save fragile lives. A local cemetery where so many infants are buried is simply known as “Babyland” (the source of the film's title); here, grieving Cierra, 17, visits the grave of her miscarried child. Meanwhile, recent high school graduate Precious is persuaded (by an upbeat church volunteer) not to terminate her pregnancy. Offering an eye-opening look at a distressing social crisis, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)