THANK YOU! Let’s get real for a moment! This edition of Mother has really pushed me to my limits. I found myself facing waves of self-doubt. Who am I to take on such a massive task and believe I can truly represent all the incredible women behind the cameras? With over 100 submissions pouring in for this volume, I was both overwhelmed by the incredible support for Mother and intimidated by the tasks ahead. Mother isn’t just a project; it’s a passion-driven journey, born out of curiosity rather than expertise. A lot has shifted in the past year. Mother used to be free, but now we’ve transitioned to a paid model — not because I’m chasing your money, but because we’re chasing freedom. The support from SONY made this journey possible, and I’ll be forever grateful. Yet, it also made us reliant. But now, we’re ready to expand, print reprints, curate galleries, and craft special editions. By picking up this magazine, you’re fueling the growth of this project, ensuring it continues to thrive with fresh faces and untold stories — and I hope that journey never ends. Thank you. This year, we’ve not only welcomed new contributors from around the globe but also opened our doors to new professions — inviting filmmakers to join the Mother family. Watching Queens by Nat Geo, I felt it in my bones — this is Mother through and through. And who better to lead this new volume than the woman who gave me goosebumps: Sophie Darlington. Personally, I had the honor of being part of “Nature of Hope” — a gathering of 90 women, 90 prints, 90 years — where female photographers unite to honor the legendary Jane Goodall. See it at www.vitalimpacts.org. Ami Vitale’s work with Vital Impacts leaves me inspired every single day. And to come full circle, we didn’t just invite Sophie Darlington to pen the foreword; we asked her to grace our pages with her stunning images of Jane Goodall. Women coming together, lending a hand, and lifting each other higher. I’ve never been prouder to work alongside such extraordinary women, not just on this magazine but in everything we do. My heart goes to my editor Goli, who always strengthens my back and who I can trust and rely on with everything I have. I love you from the bottom of my heart! P.S. (as every love letter has a P.S.): We have an exciting surprise for you! Last summer, we joined forces with the talented Anderson Rocio to create more than just a magazine. Together, we crafted a music video for the Power In Us Project. With an extended online version, we can also show the official music video, the articles can grow longer and bigger, with more images and stories. Don’t miss to take a look. With all our love, The Mother Family.
Love, Melissa Schäfer
MOTHER MAGAZINE @magazine.mother Editor in chief Melissa Schäfer • Published by The Motherbear Productions Text Editor Goli Mohammadi • Additional Writer Sarah Benton www.themotherbear.com/mother © 2024 The Motherbear Productions. All photographs and text in this magazine are the property of the respective photographer and writer. The Motherbear Productions owns and retains the copyrights of the Mother Magazine, its layout and design. Unless otherwise specified, no one has permission to copy or republish, in any form, any information, including, but not limited to text, photographs, artwork and design, found in this magazine without a written permission from the respecive owner of the copyright.
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Cover and back page photo by Kristina Maakeva PRINTED BY ELANDERS SWEDEN IN LATVIA
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MOTHER VOLUME THREE
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