The roadmovie Donna and Ally – An Oakland Cinderella Story is about two female deliquents who become exotic dancers on the quest to be somebodies. However, one of them has an extra obstacle: PMDD. PMDD is a debilitating form of PMS. The movie was produced to de-stigmatise the disorder and spread awareness in a digestible comedic way.
Hormonal anger
Donna and Ally is bold, kinky comedic and entertaining, oozing sisterhood and resilience as it follows the two aspiring girls on their journey into adulthood. However, the film also reveals the inescapable realities of the underclass: mass incarceration, foster care, and mental health issues. It’s an honest portrayal of a protagonist openly struggling with PMDD and her hormonal anger.
The movie oscillates between the highs and lows of PMDD and shows that living with a disorder doesn’t have to define or control you. Or mean that you’re doomed to a life of chaos and instability. Helped by Ally, Donna realises there’s more to her ‘werewolf week’ than rage and understands that her out-of-control behaviour stems from PMDD. She eventually recognises that her episodes are caused by fluctuating hormones, rather than inherent impulsiveness and despair.
Real life experiences
While making this movie, the actors could draw on personal experience. Writer and producer Chi Cannon, who goes by Cousin Shy and plays Donna, has PMDD herself. ‘Most likely since puberty, but self diagnosed five years ago and officially diagnosed last year.’ Ally is played by artist and actor Qing Qi, who experienced homelessness, foster care, an imprisoned father and a mother battling addiction. Also on the team: director Connor Mahony, producer Alex Zajicek, and film editor/post-production producer Eric Pomert.
With a run time of approximately 105 minutes, Donna and Ally is set to premiere at film festivals in the fall of 2023, with a potential theatrical release to follow and streaming soon after. To check out the teaser and learn more about the film: donnaandally.com
About PMDD
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that includes physical and behavioral symptoms that usually resolve with the onset of menstruation. PMDD causes extreme mood shifts that can disrupt work and damage relationships. Symptoms include extreme sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or anger, plus common premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as breast tenderness and bloating. April is PMDD Awareness Month.
More about PMDD
Why did I ever think this was normal?, by Clare Knox
PMDD and me, by Cindy Lopez Smith
Me v PMDD: tracking saved my life, by Brett Buchert
PMS’ extreme sister
More movies about menstruation
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