Periodical director Lina Plioplyte had a great idea to make a documentary about periods and decided that attracting a few celebrities to her project would be beneficial. However, after a year of trying, she faced a wall of silence and frustration until soccer star Megan Rapinoe came to the rescue, revealing the U.S. soccer team’s victory had to do with menstruation.
Through luck and perseverance, Rapinoe and her teammates agreed to participate in the documentary. Lina shares, “She was the first one we got, and it was a freaky accident.” But after that, the stars aligned, with other celebrities and activists joining the project and sharing their own stories of menstruation.
As the film explores the female experience and how menstruation has been a taboo topic, it’s filled with empowering stories. Periodical delves into the movement for menstrual rights and the pushback against the so-called “tampon tax,” shedding light on the struggles faced by menstruators. Celebrities such as Naomi Watts also share their own personal experiences, and activists like Anusha Singh campaign for period-related tax exemptions.
The documentary discusses the portrayal and treatment of periods throughout history and showcases the rise of a younger generation demanding that periods be talked about and treated differently. It even features some amusing stories and questions from menstruators.
Plioplyte’s work has drawn attention and engaged audiences, contributing to a new era where periods are not feared to be a topic of discussion. This proud moment concludes how they aim to create a world where everyone can consider, respect, and understand hormonal changes and bodily functions.
Periodical can currently be streamed on Peacock and provides a valuable lesson in understanding and accepting these changes, leaving a true sense of power in the hands of the people.
