The Last Partera

At 100 years old, Doña Miriam confronts the end of her life cycle, passing on her wisdom as the last traditional Costa Rican midwife in the region. Inspired by her courage and strength, a new generation pushes for stronger women-centered healthcare at the foot of an active volcano.

Inspired by her courage and strength, a new generation pushes for stronger women-centered healthcare at the foot of an active volcano. The Last Partera is a feature documentary film in early post-production that follows Miriam Elizondo's final years. Our story captures a portrait of her life and legacy while also looking at the changing face of women's rights and health. Doña Miriam’s influence spans far and wide, with her own descendants visiting her as well as midwives, doulas and students from around the world. But she’s no saint. While she blesses the mothers with a Catholic sign of the cross, she also teases her proteges, doles out sexual advice as a centenarian, and jokes about her own death. Doña Miriam is as human as she is divine.

Directors | Victoria Bouloubasis and Ned Phillips