When filmmaker Pam Satterfield started writing Birth Control Bootcamp, she wasn’t trying to shock or lecture anyone. She just wanted to start a conversation.

“I wanted to tell a story that would open people up — not shut them down,” she says. “We all know those awkward talks between parents and teens about sex, responsibility, or growing up. This film is my way of saying: yeah, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s also necessary.”

At first glance, Birth Control Bootcamp sounds like a comedy — and it absolutely is. The film follows a group of well-meaning parents who decide to give their teenagers lifelike baby dolls that cry, eat, and keep them up all night, hoping they’ll learn something about responsibility. What unfolds is chaos, exhaustion, and a surprising dose of truth.

But beneath the laughter, Satterfield was after something deeper. “It’s really about empathy,” she explains. “The film isn’t about shaming anyone. It’s about what happens when we try to understand each other — parents, kids, everyone. That’s where growth starts.”

Satterfield, a longtime member of the Directors Guild of America, has spent years behind the scenes as an Assistant Director and Producer. Birth Control Bootcamp marks a new chapter in her career — one where she steps fully into her own creative voice.

“My filmmaking journey started kind of by accident,” she admits with a laugh. “I once applied for a stand-in job without even knowing what that meant. But it turned out to be the best crash course in filmmaking. I got to watch every department work — camera, lighting, sound, wardrobe — and I learned to appreciate how everything connects. Filmmaking is a team sport.”

That sense of collaboration carried into Birth Control Bootcamp. Satterfield built a creative team that believed in the project as much as she did. Her daughter, Emma Satterfield, came on board as producer, helping shape the emotional tone and assembling a cast that felt real. “Emma has this incredible intuition,” Pam says. “She knew exactly how to keep the story grounded.”

Cinematographer David Poag added another layer, capturing the story with warmth and heart. “David’s visuals made the whole film feel familiar — like you’re watching your own family,” Satterfield says. “It had to be inviting. It’s not a movie about ‘other people.’ It’s about us.”

The film has struck a chord with audiences wherever it screens. During one Q&A, a woman approached Satterfield in tears to thank her for including “all the options” when it comes to parenthood and choice. “That moment really hit me,” she says softly. “It reminded me why I made this film in the first place. Storytelling can open doors that regular conversations can’t.”

Now that Birth Control Bootcamp is qualified for Academy Award® consideration, Satterfield is taking the recognition in stride. For her, the accolades aren’t just about personal validation — they’re about visibility.

“Of course it’s exciting on a personal level,” she says. “But what really matters is that more people will see it. The more people who see the film, the more impact it can have. If it helps one parent talk to their kid, or one teen see their parents differently, that’s a win.”

For all its humor, Birth Control Bootcamp doesn’t shy away from the messiness of real life. That’s what gives it its heart — and its edge. Satterfield’s approach blends warmth and honesty with just enough absurdity to make the message go down easier.

“I think comedy is one of the best ways to deal with uncomfortable truths,” she says. “If you can get people laughing, you can get them listening. Once they’re listening, that’s where change happens.”

Looking ahead, Satterfield hopes the film sparks not only conversations but also curiosity — about how families communicate, how teens learn responsibility, and how humor can heal the most awkward moments.

“At its core, the movie is about connection,” she says. “It’s about how we talk to each other, how we fail, how we try again. It’s not perfect — none of us are. But that’s where the beauty is.”

With its mix of laughter, tenderness, and reflection, Birth Control Bootcamp feels like more than just a short film. It’s a gentle nudge — a reminder that sometimes, the hardest lessons in life can also be the funniest.

Written by Emma Novakovic