Il ciclo del progresso

When Rayka Zehtabchi won an Oscar for "Period. End of Sentence.", she proclaimed that a period should end a sentence, not an education. Her documentary focuses on the use of sanitary pads in India during women's menstrual cycles, and also the efforts to end the stigma around the topic.

I remember reading about how, when Lucille Ball was pregnant, the network told her that she wasn't allowed to say pregnant on TV. The fact that it's now acceptable to talk about menstruation on the Academy Awards shows how far our society has advanced. Of course, we still have a ways to go. In the meantime, definitely check out this documentary.

As someone who was born in India and then adopted in the US, I found this short film very beautiful and inspiring. It is wonderful to see my culture and heritage on film; I loved how strong and empowered these women were on an issue seen as taboo in their country. These girls and women were dropping out of school because they didn't have the necessary supplies to help with their menstruation. I think that it is amazing that this pad machine was created, and that women are branding their own pads and making a difference within their community.

As a woman myself, I believe that this short film needs to be shown everywhere. It is a moving documentary about the power of change and hard work.

The story was very interesting and something I was not aware of at all. One choice the filmmakers made I could not get past. Why did they choose to dub the subjects? Every time that happened it took me out of the story. Anyone else bothered by that or just me?

Girls, women, ladies, boys, men, gentlemen, people, please watch it. Show it to your family members. Recommend this movie to whosoever has not watched it yet. If you cannot show them the movie due to the taboo it has been in your surroundings, just tell them that this indian movie has won Oscar and ask them to watch it and share their reviews with you. This movie must be watched.

What a beautifully shot and inspiring little film! It's only a half hour long - definitely worthy of a watch. Kudu's to the Academy for bringing it to our attention with an Oscar win.

Reading the negative comments posted about their acceptance speech was a bit of a heart breaker. Criticism for the fact that they weren't wearing sari's was a biggy; they really went for the jugular over the fact that they didn't acknowledge creator Mr. Arunachalam Muruganantham in the speech. Cut them some slack, it's tough up there.

Anyway, watch for yourself, I think you'll find he's well represented in the actual film.

We've come a long way baby, but we've still got a long way to go.