Do we really need a movie about period shame? Yes, we do. Raising awareness is still necessary. Here in the Western world, but especially in rural areas, for example in Kenya. There, only five years ago the 14-year-old Jackline Chepngeno committed suicide after being mocked in front of the entire class about a blood stain on her school uniform.
A story of shame
Impure is based on that sad story of shame. It puts the audience in the shoes of a young Kenyan girl going through this struggle by following June Mbugua (played by Eunice Ruwa). After experiencing her first menstruation at school, the 12-year-old June is taunted by her classmates, faces mistreatment from her teacher, and is left with a lot of unanswered questions. Unsure if she’ll ever be able to show her face at school again, she runs away from home…
Global menstrual issues
Until he read an article about Chepngeno, the German writer/director Rico Herre had never even heard about period shaming. ‘As a filmmaker and also as a man from Europe, this story could not have been further away from me.’ However, after doing his research, Herre soon understood the menstrual hygiene issues women worldwide have to deal with. ‘It’s a global disaster with very little visibility and therefore a huge lack of attention.’
Rural Kenyan life
Aiming to bring attention to a subject that has been overlooked for too long, Herre started filming already in 2019. The result, financed solely by his private funds: an 83 minutes long movie in Swahili with English subtitles. Impure premiered Saturday, September 7, in Nairobi (Kenya).
The movie isn’t only worth watching because of the story, but also because of the visuals. For a realistic portrayal of rural Kenyan life, Impure was filmed entirely in Kwale County (Kenya), a stunning environment. See for yourself – watch the trailer here.
Also inspired by Jackline Chepngeno’s story
The synopsis above sounds familiar? That might be because it isn’t the first time Jackline Chepngeno’s story inspired film makers. Also the documentary A Journey With A Hope, the result of a three years investigation into the girl’s death by documentary maker Amelié Truffert, focuses on these tragic events and aims to break the cycle of period shame.
More menstruation movies
Menstruation on the silver screen doesn’t only happen in Kenya. In India, for example, there are more (short) coming-of-age dramas about this subject. Masoom Sawaal (which translates as ‘An innocent question’, directed by Santosh Upadhyay) features a young girl questioning the old superstitions and society’s stigmas. In Kanya (by director Apoorva Satish), a talented teenage swimmer is told to give up her dreams of becoming a national swimming champion after her menarche. And A bloody Mess (by film maker Asis Sethi) is about a girl who’s forced by her parents to follow Indian customs and restrictions during her menstruation, despite living in Canada.
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More films about menstruation here.
Period! is an independent, online magazine about all aspects of menstruation. Period! is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you’re suffering from medical complaints, always visit your doctor or GP. Editorial articles can contain affiliate links. Sponsored collaborations can be found in the category Spotlight. Do you have any questions? Check our Contact page.
