Description:

For generations, women have been shamed, ostracized, and silenced, merely because they menstruate, a natural bodily function that half the world's population experiences. This age-old discrimination is a central issue in the struggle for gender equality. And it must stop now. Pandora's Box unmasks the global pandemic of menstrual inequity, pulling back the veil on centuries of mistreatment. Here we witness the unforgettable stories of girls in Africa, India, and beyond, who lack education and access to period products. From Massai villages, to Mumbai, and on to London, we meet young women who are forced to stay at home from school, or even drop out, merely because they don't have access to, nor can they afford, menstrual supplies. We also meet women who were once incarcerated in the U.S. prison system, talking about their struggles to menstruate safely while deprived of basic human hygiene. As one of the asks: "Isn't the ability to menstruate with dignity a basic human right?"

Biography:

Rebecca Snow is an award-winning writer and director specializing in history and social issue documentaries. In 2018 she won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction in a Documentary Program for her documentary about Viking Women. Her broadcast writing/directing credits include NBC’s Emmy-nominated series Who Do You Think You Are?, CBC’s Nature of Things, and, for the History Channel: Museum Secrets, Real Vikings, Perfect Storms, Hunting Nazi Treasure, and Mummies Alive. In 2018 she created the online short documentary series “The Better Is Possible Project.”

Aine Corby has been working as a producer since 2010 in both Ireland and Canada. While in Ireland, she produced TV series, documentaries, and films for RTE and the National Broadcaster. During this time, she worked with Irish director Tom Collins on the feature-length documentary The Boys of St. Columbus. Since moving to Canada six years ago, Aine has been pursuing her love of documentary and film.