Theresa Fortune's creation of From the Ashes is a testament to her incredible creativity and resilience. The film provides an intimate and empathetic portrayal of postpartum depression, capturing the profound emotional spectrum experienced by new mothers. Through her nuanced storytelling, Fortune not only sheds light on the complexities of the condition but also offers a hopeful perspective on recovery. Her work stands out not just for its artistic excellence, but for its courageous exploration of a deeply personal and often stigmatized issue, reflecting her unwavering dedication to both her craft and the well-being of others.

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Ronald Wyatt MD MHA 

Senior Fellow IHI 

Founder and CEO Achieving Health Equity LLC

As a Black mother and healthcare professional, I deeply relate to the film From the Ashes on many levels. Mental health struggles are often stigmatized and overlooked in the Black community, leading to many unresolved issues. Despite being born from intense pain and personal experience, this film offers a sense of solidarity and comfort to women like myself. It inspires me to be more open and vulnerable about my own challenges. This powerful work serves as a metaphorical balm for the wounds in our community that desperately need healing.

I highly recommend it.

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Kim J. Scott, MSN, MBA, RN

Director of Nursing-Ambulatory Care Alameda Health System

President-Bay Area Black Nurses Association

Speaker, Coach, Author

USF & Holy Names University Alumna

A truly captivating use of film and storytelling that Theresa Fortune has created of her own journey

through pain and often silent and isolating nature of postpartum depression to now transforming

this amazing work into impactful purpose. Theresa has catapulted a movement of education and

advocacy to support maternal mental health and the important need for access to quality care and

behavioral health resources. As a healthcare provider and with highest regard, the film creates an

awareness to the need to prioritize mental (maternal) health in health care systems and

organizations and how we all can create the change we want to see.

Kasandra White, MD

OB/GYN

Former Chief of Obstetrics and Medical Director of the Family Birthing Center at Highland Hospital,

Oakland CA

Founder of Indlu Imperative, LLC – Women’s and Maternal Health Clinical Consulting

“I’m tired of being broke and broken.” This line struck me when I first watched From the Ashes. I felt it deeply—I understood where it came from. Despite witnessing the turbulent mental journey of an incredibly strong Black woman, there was strength in her words, even though they came from a place of pain. This documentary provides a visceral, unfiltered look at how and why things can spiral downward. Yet, amidst all the pain and obstacles thrust upon her, what stays with you as a viewer is her resilience and determination.

This is a must-watch for anyone searching for that inner strength, that spark required to push through life’s toughest moments.

D'Lo Louis

Ownwer of 3DR Vision 

Writer, director, producer

You will be touched and want to take action after seeing this film. As a women’s health nurse and leader, I walked away grateful to have attended. Now, I take action!

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Christina M Oldini

Associate Director, Programs

California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC)

Theresa, you created such an amazing piece of work that represents so many untold, overlooked stories. We appreciate your courage, vision and brilliance for sharing your story with us, as we (both men and women) are all connected to the maternal journey which has existed since the beginning of humanity. I hope and pray that this amazing body of work continues to be shared to encourage much needed conversations to improve maternal health. To be blessed with a vision, is to be given an assignment, which you are executing on to the fullest

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Kiazi Malonga

B.A.- International Relations, Stanford University

I was teary-eyed the entire documentary. Not just because you actually feel Theresa's journey & a sense of appreciation to be able to experience her raw uncut thoughts, but also because, even tho I am childless and haven't experienced the darkness she came out of, her story still resonates with me on so many levels. It is the story of a woman of color who conquered her mind despite the setbacks life has for her. I wish this reverse engineer mindset she described for everyone. It is a documentary that touched my soul and had my absolute attention from start to finish. Thank you for sharing, Theresa.

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Sia Tania Kabuta

I really loved this film! I appreciate the vulnerability and courage it took to produce something this intimate. So many parts stuck with me, but the first thing I fell in love with was the line about "wearing a cape that is too heavy" because it helped me, as someone who is not a mother, relate to that. I was in tears hearing about the financial struggles and lack of basic necessities. Then, by the end I couldn't help but smile and feel hopeful. I think it's a film for everyone, not just mothers, and maybe having this insight would help us all be a little more mindful and empathetic.

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Tavi Watkins