Set in Georgia, where reproductive rights have been sharply restricted, the Oscar-nominated documentary short The Devil Is Busy captures a pivotal day inside a women’s health clinic navigating the new abortion landscape in the United States.
At the center of the film is Tracy, the clinic’s head of security, who works on the front lines as protesters gather outside. Her responsibilities extend beyond maintaining order; she strives to safeguard the dignity and humanity of every patient entering the facility.
Director Geeta Gandbhir highlights that the female-led, predominantly women-of-color staff intentionally create a space rooted in respect and kindness. Many patients now travel long distances for care, especially since the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned nearly 50 years of precedent and declared that the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee a right to abortion. Since the ruling, abortion has been banned at all stages of pregnancy in 14 Republican-controlled states, with limited exceptions.
Co-director Christalyn Hampton, one of only two African American filmmakers nominated for an Oscar this year alongside Ryan Coogler, said she hopes the film inspires advocacy, education, and compassion.
Beyond the policy debate, Hampton emphasizes that the documentary is a story about human rights and the deeply personal, difficult decisions women face every day.
“The Devil Is Busy” sheds light on the resilience of clinic staff and the courage of patients navigating an increasingly restrictive reproductive rights landscape in the United States.
