Tracing the line from Beijing and Shanghai to Los Angeles, How to Have an American Baby directed by Leslie Tai is a kaleidoscopic voyage, told through multiple perspectives, into the booming shadow economy catering to Chinese birth tourists who travel to the U.S. on birthing vacations in order to obtain U.S. citizenship for their babies. These women spend months in America preparing for birth, oftentimes making significant sacrifices such as living alone in a foreign country where they are unable to speak the language. Tai weaves together observational footage of the women’s lives as well as the industry surrounding them to demonstrate the complexity and restrictions of borders as families seek a better life for their children.

A screening & Q&A with Leslie Tai will take place.