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Cycle of Change

The film challenges menopause myths and provides clear, supportive information for women, employers, educators and healthcare professionals.

Description

Created by ForMed Films CIC with BAFTA winner Emma Lazenby and menopause experts, it draws on surveys, workshops and interviews with women to offer an accessible, empowering resource.

By dispelling the prevailing myths and misunderstanding, the film seeks to educate women living through the experience, as well as educators, employers and healthcare providers. The film provides an accessible resource and much-needed rallying call for women to access the support they need and ultimately celebrate rather than fear “the change”.

To make this film, ForMed Films:

  • Surveyed over 450 women about their concerns, experiences and advice about menopause.
  • Ran workshops with 23 women discussing different stages of menopause.
  • Interviewed 18 people who spoke in-depth about their experiences.
  • Included the voices of 32 women from interviews and workshops.

Visit www.cycleofchange.org to hear more interviews, see the survey results, access the full film and to learn more about menopause.

Credits

Directed by:
Emma Lazenby

Produced by:
Liz Harkman

Executive Producers:
Diane Danzebrink
Hazel Hayden

Thank you to The Burdett Trust for Nursing, Menopause Support and Bristol Menopause for funding this production, and to The National Lottery community fund for funding workshops, survey and interviews.

Thanks to Survey participants for sharing their experiences and to workshop attendees and interviewees for sharing their voices in this film.

Reflective questions

Inspired by the themes addressed within the film these questions are designed as prompts for group reflection.

Response to the Film

  1. Several interviewees described menopause as both “painful and scary” and “a transformation.” Which part of that duality surprised you?
  2. One participant said: “It feels a bit like something is being birthed.” What does this metaphor evoke for you in terms of identity, change or growth?

Social & Cultural Dimensions

  1. The film encourages openness: “Talk about it, don’t keep quiet.” Why do you think silence around menopause has been so strong historically?
  2. How might communities, workplaces or families shift if conversations about menopause were normalised?
  3. What myths or misconceptions about menopause have you encountered?

Equity & Support

  1. 60% of participants felt there wasn’t enough support from health professionals. What do you think meaningful support should look like?
  2. Where do you see gaps in healthcare, education or policy that the film helps to illuminate?

Representation & Voice

  1. The film includes voices from women aged 30–60, all with different journeys. How did hearing these diverse perspectives shape your understanding?
  2. If more stories were included, whose voices would you still want to hear (e.g., partners, younger women, LGBTQ+ people, healthcare providers)?

Looking Forward

  1. What conversations do you feel inspired to start after engaging with this film and its materials?

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