May 28 celebrates Menstrual Hygiene Day, an initiative to spread awareness about period hygiene and normalizing menstruation. While the society still considers it a taboo, there are movies that talk unapologetically about periods. Here are five brilliant films that normalized menstruation that you cannot miss. The last ones our favorite.
1. My Girl (1991)
The 1991 American movie explores the friendship of Vada Sultenfuss and Thomas J. Sennet based in Madison, Pennsylvania. Vada explores the curious and uninhibited life of a girl who gets her first period.
When she got her first period, like any young girl, Vada was equally confused and scared. After the 11-year-old was explained what's happening with her, she said, “It’s not fair that it doesn't happen to boys.”
A line many women can resonate with.
2. Period. End of sentence (2018)
When it comes to bringing a positive change in the society, this Oscar-winning documentary is a champion. This Netflix documentary takes us through the life of rural Delhi, where women make their own pads using a manufacturing machine.
3. Padman (2018)
This Bollywood film is based on the life of activist Arunachalam Muruganantham, who invented low-cost machines to manufacture sanitary pads for women in rural areas.
Akshay Kumar takes up the challenge of changing the narrative and breaking the 'period taboo' in his village after he learns about the hardships his wife and other women face during that time of the month.
4. The Queen's Gambit (2020)
The series depicts the life of an orphan named Beth, who is a champion chess player growing up in the 1950s. There's a particular scene when she runs to the restroom in the middle of a tournament as blood runs down her legs.
It becomes a sister-to-sister moment when another chess player kindly offers her a sanitary pad. The series also highlights other issues such as addiction and feminism.
5. Turning Red (2022)
What better way to teach your kids (both girls and boys) about periods than animated movies? The captivating animated Hollywood film made waves for its bold approach to menstruation.
Turning Red is beyond entertainment. It provides a chance to have open conversations about menstrual cycles, educating the young ones, and breaking the societal taboos.
