Bionic Buzz interviewed filmmakers Celine Sutter & Hannah Shealy over Zoom to talk about their bold new TV pilot BIRTH IS FOR P*SSIES. During the interview, we dive into their passion for filmmaking, how real-life experiences inspired the story, and what it means to have the project premiere at one of the biggest festivals in the world. The indie TV pilot BIRTH IS FOR P*SSIES, created by Hannah Shealy, will have its World Premiere at South by Southwest 2026 as part of the Independent TV Pilot Competition. 

The project blends humor and raw honesty while exploring themes of identity, adulthood, and navigating life’s unexpected challenges.

Watch as Celine and Hannah share behind-the-scenes insights about developing the pilot, collaborating as filmmakers, and bringing this unique story to life.

ABOUT: A rookie doula (Hannah Shealy) is thrust into her first birth with a mother she’s never met. After a rocky start, she quickly learns supporting women through labor is messier, funnier, and more profound than any training could have prepared her for.

Showrunner/Writer/Actor & Co-Director Hannah Shealy is an actor, filmmaker and doula based in NYC and London. As an actor she most recently appeared as Charlotte Astor in season 3 of HBO’s “The Gilded Age.” As a doula she has helped over 100 clients give birth, and is the founder of a brand of perinatal hydration mixes called Pushee, launching in 2026. Drawing on her own experiences as a doula, she wrote and stars in her pilot Birth is For P*ssies, set to premiere in 2026.

Co-Director and Producer Celine Sutter  is a writer, director, and producer born and raised in New York City. Celine recently earned their MFA in Writing/Directing from Columbia University. Since graduating, they have directed projects for prominent names such as Vogue, Maya Hawke and King Princess. Celine’s films have screened at Frameline, Proof Film Festival, Short of the Week and she was honored with the Female Is Future Award in 2024.

📅 WHEN:
3:00 PM CDT — Saturday, March 14, 2026 — Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar Cinema 4
6:45 PM CDT — Tuesday, March 17, 2026 — Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar Cinema 5

📍 WHERE:
1120 S. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78704

About the SXSW Independent TV PilotCompetition:
The Independent TV Pilot Competition highlights innovative episodic storytelling from emerging creators around the world, giving audiences an early look at exciting new voices in television.

Interview and video edited by Steve Sievers of Bionic Buzz®