Period. End of Sentence.

Period. End of Sentence. poster

Period. End of Sentence. is a documentary short film directed by Rayka Zehtabchi, focusing on the issue of menstruation and the profound impact it has on women and girls in India. The film was released in 2018 and won an Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) at the 91st Academy Awards in 2019. The documentary is set in the rural village of Hapur, located outside of Delhi, India, and explores the cultural and societal stigma associated with menstruation in India. It also highlights the efforts of a group of women who learn to manufacture low-cost, biodegradable sanitary pads, which they sell to other women in an effort to improve female hygiene, empower themselves, and challenge the stigma surrounding menstruation.

Synopsis

Period. End of Sentence. opens with the challenges faced by women and girls in Hapur due to the deep-seated stigma surrounding menstruation. Many girls in the village drop out of school when they begin menstruating due to the lack of access to sanitary products and the shame associated with periods. The documentary showcases the journey of these women as they gain access to a sanitary pad machine, learn how to produce sanitary pads, and start a small business called "The Pad Project." This initiative not only aims to provide affordable sanitary products but also to educate women and men about menstruation, challenging and changing the misconceptions and taboos associated with it.

Production

The idea for the documentary originated from a group of students at Oakwood School in Los Angeles, who, along with their teacher, Melissa Berton, decided to take action after learning about the menstrual challenges faced by women in rural India. They founded a non-profit organization called The Pad Project and raised funds through Kickstarter to purchase a pad-making machine for the village of Hapur. The documentary was produced by Guneet Monga's Sikhya Entertainment and co-produced by The Pad Project.

Reception

Period. End of Sentence. received widespread acclaim for its powerful portrayal of a taboo subject and its inspirational story of female empowerment. It has been praised for shedding light on an important issue that affects millions of women worldwide and for its role in promoting discussions about menstrual equity. The film's Academy Award win further highlighted the global relevance of the subject matter and the importance of addressing menstrual stigma.

Impact

The success of Period. End of Sentence. has had a significant impact both in India and globally. It has raised awareness about menstrual health and hygiene, encouraged conversations about menstruation in various cultural contexts, and inspired similar initiatives in other countries. The documentary has also contributed to the broader movement of menstrual equity, advocating for accessible and affordable menstrual products for all women and girls.