This post is part of an ongoing series of posts dedicated to Maxim’s support of fierce women. A fierce woman is a “glorious female creature whose idea of beauty is hinged upon the idea that she can change the world with each choice, each moment, and each breath of her life.” To learn more about “What it means to be a fierce woman,” click here. If you know of any fierce women you want us to feature on our blog, please email us with their story at info@maximhy.com
I’m sure we all very clearly remember the day we got our first period. The awkward, embarrassing, and questioning anguish that came along with those first few spots on our panties. The first time I put on a pad I checked myself out in the mirror at least a dozen times to make sure that nobody could see my pad bulging out in my female regions and possibly confuse it with a male package! Oh, and the thoughts and planning that went to preparing to have to change in the gym locker room with all the other girls. I used to wear extra long shirts or spandex bike shorts on those days to help cover up the possibility that someone might see that I have my period. What made me so embarrassed and shy at the time? Was it just the general awkwardness that comes along with all the changes that were happening in my body? Why weren’t my mother’s words comforting enough and what could have my middle school health class have done better to help me deal with some of the shared worries and anxieties felt by fellow expectant menstruators?
Cinemomma Pictures is a company started by Camille Holder-Brown, a mother of three children and a fierce woman dedicated to empowering girls and families through the power of educational film. Camille is passionate about using film to help tackle some of the least desirable and talked about family and societal issues, especially in communities of color where she believes this knowledge and openness is not as easily available.
In one of her most acclaimed films, “A Period Piece,” Camille very cleverly helped me tap into some of the emotions I described above as a tween experiencing the trials and tribulations of my first period. Her goal of bringing people together in a light-hearted way and media is admirable and effective.
Not only has Camille created an educational film about the topic, but she also developed a curriculum for schools to use to accompany the film as a vehicle to further teach girls about puberty and to promote natural care for their bodies. The film has been used by hundreds of educators, mentors, and parents to teach girls how to deconstruct media ads aimed at young girls and to bring a consciousness to people that may not be aware of the negative effects of traditional chemical-filled pads on their bodies and the environment.
Lastly and in Camille’s own inspiring and “fierceful” words, she “made the film so both women and young girls can laugh, smile, and embrace each other, despite our physical and cultural differences, uniting because we can bring forth life!”
Below is a sample intro of “A Period Piece” for educators and all. To purchase “A Period Piece” in its entirety, go to http://cinemommapictures.com/order-a-period-piece/
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ-L22ziETg]