"conceiving clara" capsule review

By Nadia Dalimonte

Tajana Susanna Prka in Conceiving Clara (2025)

Continuing Canadian Film Fest’s showcase of diverse perspectives, Tarique Qayumi’s Conceiving Clara explores the resonant subjects of midwifery and IVF treatment. The film follows Clara (Tajana Susanna Prka), a midwife who helps women give birth but cannot bear a child. Facing constant pressure from her mother-in-law, Clara decides to undergo IVF treatment and experiences complications that lead to desperate measures. Directed by Qayumi, and co-written by Qayumi and Prka, the story puts you under a spell of frustration and uncertainty as Clara searches for answers. The film leans heavily into ambiguous storytelling and features some disjointed editing. As a result, the story loses momentum and focus in its overall message. However, the thematic urgency around this narrative stands out, from protecting midwifery practices to increasing awareness and support for the commonality of infertility. In addition, Tajana Susanna Prka’s performance holds the film together with strong emotionality. Conceiving Clara premieres Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 pm and will be preceded by Luvleen Hunjan’s short film, Whispering in the Leaves.

Canadian Film Festival (CFF) runs from March 24-29, 2025 at Cineplex’s Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto.