Moms First to Release Historic Documentary on American Motherhood
From post-war propaganda to culture wars pitting “girl bosses” vs “trad wives”, the film reveals forces that have defined American motherhood and opportunities to come together across political division
Produced by Emmy-nominated Culture House Media, Tan France’s French Tuck Media and national non-profit organization Moms First. Directed by Raeshem Nijhon.
NEW YORK — Moms First, the national non-profit organization founded by Reshma Saujani to fight for moms and policies like paid leave and affordable child care, today announced a historic feature documentary on American motherhood to premiere around Mother’s Day 2026. The film exposes the history and forces behind today’s most pervasive cultural myths – from girlboss hustle to the trad-wife revival – and seeks to reveal a path to uniting mothers across political division. Alongside the film, the non-profit will launch a nationwide impact campaign designed to tap into urgent cultural conversations about women and work and spark community and action among millions of moms, supporters, and families.
The film is produced by Emmy-nominated Culture House Media, the production company behind critically acclaimed series like “The Hair Tales” and “Black Twitter” on Hulu and “Ladies First: A History of Women in Hip-hop” on Netflix. It’s produced in partnership with French Tuck Media, the production company founded by Queer Eye star Tan France and Moms First, the national non-profit organization using media to educate and mobilize millions of moms. Executive Producers include Reshma Saujani (Moms First, Girls Who Code), Tan France (Queer Eye, French Tuck Media), Donna MacLetchie (French Tuck Media), Nicole Galovski (Culture House), and Carri Twigg (Culture House). Produced by Lauren Cynamon (Eater’s Guide to the World) and Ashley York (Hillbilly, Tig).
Blending investigative storytelling, historical context, and firsthand stories from mothers across the country, the film explores how motherhood became a cultural flashpoint. From postwar propaganda to today’s culture wars, it unpacks the economic policies, media myths, and social fault lines that have defined American motherhood and reveals opportunities for mothers to find common ground.
“For too long, we’ve told moms that if they just work harder, lean in more, or buy the right products, they can have it all,” said Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Moms First and executive producer of the film. “This documentary exposes the truth: the system was never built for mothers to thrive. We’re done pretending it’s an individual problem—it’s a national crisis.”
Ahead of the premiere, Moms First will launch a nationwide impact campaign to turn awareness into action, with community screenings, digital storytelling, and an unprecedented grassroots initiative inviting thousands of Americans to become Associate Producers by supporting the movement to rewrite the story of motherhood in America.
“This film belongs to every mother in America,” said Saujani. “We want moms everywhere—working moms, stay-at-home moms, single moms, church moms—to see themselves in it and to be part of the movement that changes what it means to be a mother in this country.”
Moms can join the movement by becoming an Associate Producer—sharing their story, pledging to host a screening, or contributing to help bring the film to communities nationwide. Moms First aims to set a new Guinness World Record for the most Associate Producers ever credited in a film.
Following its premiere, Moms First will take the film on a cross-country tour, with screenings hosted by community leaders and Associate Producers in towns, schools, churches, and theaters across the U.S., sparking local conversations and connecting culture to action.
“As a mom of two small boys, this is deeply personal for me,” said Director Raeshem Nijhon. “We need a systemic and cultural overhaul in how we honor and support motherhood in this country — and this film is my contribution to help make that change through pop culture. It’s a privilege to collaborate with Reshma and Moms First on a thoughtful, inclusive film and impact campaign that reminds audiences we are capable of big cultural shifts when we work together and resist the easy, all-too-prevalent culture of judgment and divisiveness.”
About Moms First
Moms First is fighting for America’s moms. Our mission is to win paid leave and child care as economic imperatives that allow families to thrive. Our vision is a country that values motherhood and supports moms and families. Learn more at momsfirst.us.
About Culture House Media
Culture House is an award-winning, Black- Brown and women-owned production company dedicated to inclusive storytelling that drives impact. Acclaimed projects include The Hair Tales (OWN/Hulu), Black Twitter (Hulu), Ladies First (Netflix), Growing Up (Disney+). Recipients of the Ms. Foundation’s Women of Vision award.