Why do countries have different birth rates? Why don’t people who could have children have them? What can be done to encourage young people to become parents? These complex questions are discussed in the documentary “Family First” (you can find it at the end of this news).
The hour-long film is directed by Zsófia Fejérdy and produced by the Northstar Foundation. It was premiered in November 2024 in Budapest. To make the documentary, she traveled the world and interviewed political experts, commentators, economists and representatives of various walks of life from United Kingdom, United States, Ireland, Japan or Hungary, from whom she received several valuable answers.
The documentary Family First explores the perspectives of young people on starting families and the challenges they face in making this decision. It delves into the reasons why many young individuals are hesitant or unable to have children, often due to a lack of support, financial instability, and societal pressures. The film highlights the importance of creating an environment where young people feel empowered and supported to build families if they choose to do so. By addressing these barriers, the documentary emphasizes the need for policies and cultural shifts that honor and facilitate family life.
One of the central themes of Family First is the disconnect between young people’s aspirations for family life and the realities they encounter. Many young adults express a desire to have children but feel discouraged by economic constraints, such as high living costs, insufficient parental leave, and inadequate childcare options. The documentary also touches on the impact of societal expectations and the perception that pursuing a career and having a family are mutually exclusive. Through interviews and personal stories, the film illustrates how these challenges contribute to declining birth rates and the postponement of family formation.
The documentary also calls attention to the broader societal implications of these trends. It argues that supporting young people in their desire to have families is not just a personal issue but a collective responsibility. By investing in family-friendly policies, such as affordable housing, flexible work arrangements, and accessible childcare, societies can create conditions that enable young people to balance their personal and professional lives. The film underscores the idea that thriving families are essential for the sustainability of communities and the well-being of future generations.
The documentary reveals that since the Covid-19 crisis, the war in Ukraine and rising inflation, birth rates have fallen across Europe. According to data scientist and demographer (and director of the world-famous 2022 documentary “Birthgap”) Stephen Shaw, escaping the demographic crisis will be possible for those countries that can act quickly enough to find solutions.
In conclusion, Family First serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the barriers young people face in starting families and the importance of addressing these challenges. It advocates for a cultural and policy shift that values and supports family life, ensuring that young people have the resources and encouragement they need to make informed decisions about parenthood. ELFAC hopes the documentary will inspire meaningful dialogue and action to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for families. Ultimately, the film reinforces the message that honoring families is key to building a resilient and prosperous society.
You can watch it below from YouTube: