'Period. End of Sentence,' an India-based documentary that tackles the stigma of menstruation in the country created history after winning the best documentary short subject at the 2019 Oscars.
The 26-minute short documentary, co-produced by Guneet Monga and directed by 25-year-old Rayka Zehtabchi, follows a group of women in Hapur, India who lead a quiet revolution as they fight against the stigma of menstruation that is deeply rooted in society.
For generations, the women of the village did not have access to sanitary pads, which lead to health issues among them. When a sanitary pad is installed in their village, the women learn to manufacture and market their own pads, naming it 'FLY.'
The film features the real 'Pad Man' was nominated along with 'Black Sheep,' 'End Game,' 'Lifeboat' and 'A Night At The Garden.'
While producer of the film Guneet Monga already expressed her happiness over the big win on her Twitter handle. The family of the girl on whom the movie is based, also expressed their joy over the win.
Sneha's brother Kapil while speaking to ANI, said, "It is based on our sister's life, but not just my sister, everyone related to the film should get credit for the film's win. The director and actors of the film, all deserve the award. It's a very happy moment for all of us."
Sneha's friend and co-worker Sushwa also expressed her happiness and said, "I am feeling very happy and proud. We come from a small village and we didn't know about this earlier. We had worked very hard on this and so we are feeling very proud. We are very happy that the movie based on our company and our work has got an award."
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Sneha also made her grandmother proud, who was all smiles, speaking about the film. She said, "I am feeling very happy and proud."
Bollywood too erupted with happiness because it is not every day that India brings in home an Oscar. From Priyanka Chopra, Vicky Kaushal, Neha Dhupia, Dia Mirza, Mini Mathur, among others took to their Twitter to congratulate the film's team on the big win.
Priyanka wrote, "One of the most special moments of the evening...a film based on the taboos around menstruation wins BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT! Congratulations to the entire #PeriodEndOfSentence team, and my fearless friend @GuneetMonga!! #Oscars2019."
Vicky too took to his Twitter and wrote, "Congratulations Guneet!!! #Oscar #PeriodEndOfSentence."
"What a great time for women in film... congratulations @guneetm and @sikhyaent on your #Oscar win for #Periodendofsentence ... what a huge moment. We are all so proud of you. Time to tune into @NetflixIndia n watch this beautiful documentary all over again," Neha tweeted.
"Yayyy!!! @guneetm this is so awesome!!! Congratulations #India #Oscars #PeriodEndofSentence," Dia wrote expressing her joy.
The documentary that tackles the stigma around menstruation in rural India, is currently available on Netflix.
The 2019 Oscars took place at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Centre in Hollywood.