Watch Period. End of Sentence.

Period. End of Sentence. is a documentary short film that delves into the stigma and taboo surrounding menstruation in rural India. Directed by Rayka Zehtabchi and produced by Melissa Berton, the film is set in Hapur, a small village outside of Delhi. The documentary showcases the journey of a group of local women who band together to fight against the menstrual taboos prevalent in their community.

The film opens with a discussion on the beliefs and practices surrounding menstruation in the village. Menstruation is considered unclean and women are not allowed to enter the kitchen or touch the water source during their periods. This has resulted in a lack of access to sanitary products which has led to health issues and social ostracization for the women.

The women in the village have grown used to the taboo and rarely question it. However, when a sanitary pad machine is installed in the village, the women are exposed to a new way of thinking. The machine is introduced by a group of local women working with The Pad Project, a non-profit organization that aims to provide sanitary pads and education around menstrual hygiene to underprivileged women.

The film follows the journey of these women as they learn to use the machine, distribute sanitary pads and educate other women in the village about menstrual hygiene. The benefits are immediate - the women are no longer forced to use rags, which are uncomfortable and unhygienic, and they feel more comfortable and confident during their periods.

The documentary also explores the ripple effects of this small initiative. It inspires young girls to stay in school, as now they can manage their periods and avoid embarrassment. It also empowers women by giving them the agency to make choices about their health and wellbeing, despite the cultural and social barriers within their community.

The film is not just a commentary on menstrual taboos but also on gender roles and expectations in rural India. It challenges the notion that women should be ashamed of their bodies and their bodily functions. It highlights the importance of a collective effort to change societal beliefs and the significance of education in creating lasting change.

The documentary is narrated by the women of the village, who speak of their experiences and the changes they have witnessed. The narration is interspersed with interviews of the women behind the Pad Project and gives an insight into their thought process and the challenges they faced while setting up the project. The film also features a schoolgirl who speaks of the prejudice she faced when her parents discovered she was menstruating and how the pad initiative has helped her overcome this.

Period. End of Sentence. is a moving and thought-provoking piece of cinema that raises awareness about a topic that is often brushed under the carpet. It is a testament to the power of a collective effort and the impact that small initiatives can have on society as a whole. The film was honored with an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject in 2019, bringing international attention to the issue of menstrual taboos and the work being done to eradicate them.

Period. End of Sentence. is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.