The Moon Inside You by Diana Fabianova shows the aspects of women, men and children about menstruation period and explains how a physical reality is converted to a social tabu. It is highlighted that how women are insulted in world of traditions which is directed by men just because of this period and how this period is used as a political and commercial object for propaganda. Because of its not only enjoyable but also familiar and sarcastic wording, the film speaks to every age. Therefore I wondered what did the director live and feel before, during and after the film. After seeing the film in DOCUMENTARIST I've decided to send several questions to the director Diana Fabianova, and here are the answers that she was kindly enough to send me back:

Do you think there is a relation between womanhood and the moon? Why did you select the title “The Moon Inside You”?

The menstrual cycle was during millennia  linked  to the moon cycle. Historically it was used as the first tool to measure the  time.

I like the idea that we are connected to the Moon. We are part of the Nature, with it's  changing phases and faces- full moon and ovulation, new moon and menstruation. Or vice versa. 

During the research and shooting period, did you also become aware of some facts on menstruation that you haven't noticed before?

Many. I was very surprised there is such a big gap of information about the physical process which undergoes half of the World population. It's very neglected issue with no real interest to help women and girls to smooth their pain, informed them about other means which could help them besides the Pill. That was also the reason why I decided to make this movie

Was it hard to persuade people -women in dance group/men in the street/children in school- to talk about menstruation? It seems very hard to talk about it in the street but what about the others? Especially the little girl, Dominika - did she accept instantly?

There was a big difference between random people on the street and the participants.  By doing  Vox populi  we met people who felt ashamed, sometimes even offended.  With participants it was different. They  were  aware and conscious and as they choosed freely to be part of the project they known what they were going into.  Dominika too, she liked the idea from the very beginning. In fact, all the girls I met during the search for the young character, wanting desperately to be in. The TV is powerful tool,the kids- young teenegers want to take part. Although the subject was menstruation.

Is there a lesson about menstruation in Slovakian primary schools or was it an ordinary situation which is crated by you for this film? Because in Turkey there is no lesson about menstruation until nearly high school.  

No, unfortunately there is no lesson neither. I created it for the movie. It was kind of "secret casting" to find a girl - which than won Dominika- and also to find out how kids thinks and feels about the issue. First I wanted to make a mix class- with boys included. But girls went on the verge of panic and they screamed of shame. It was impossible to do it. This says quiet a lot about the current situation...

What is the reaction of men who watched the film?  

The ones who come to watch it is very positive. They feel surprised about how much they didn't know about their partners, wives, daughters... The difficult task is to make men to watch it. There are many prejudices or they don't see the reason why to be interested.   But once they are watching, they understand... :-) 

What is your guess about the percentage of genders and the ages of people who watched “The Moon Inside You” in Slovakia?

95% are women; most of them could be between 25-50 years of age.

In how many countries was the film released? Was it broadcasted in TV channels?

It was shown in about 30 countries.  Besides the festivals, they are screenings voluntary   organized by women. They find a venue and call their friends, daughters...  Also about 13 TV channels bought it.   

You did not mention that women want to eat desserts -especially chocolate- in their menstruation period. It is a habit, a way of being happy for women in this period in Turkey. I am curious about if it is a habit in Slovakia too, or not?

It's a most universal habit of the World:-) chocolate and menstruation comes hand in hand. I asked about it to different doctors.  They told me it's just another proof that in that special period of month women feel need of emotional support and love more than ever. And they don't get it.

What kind of difficulties did you have to overcome during the project? Did any foundation/organization try to stop you?  

Some were really hostile. Some TV stations refused the project it with ironical jokes, MGM didn't allow me to use clip of the film Carrie, because it would damage their image, and I was arrested on New York airport, because the emigration police didn't believe that movie on menstruation could be made and took it as If I was making fun of them.   Also no hygienic company supported us. No one of them.  It's in their interest that women feel bad and afraid that someone will see they are bleeding, if you are ashamed of it, you double up the protection. You use more pads and tampons, just to be sure. They play on your fear.

There is a book of Marlo Morgan which is named as “Mutant Message Down Under”. In this book Aborigines in Australia use the menstruation blood of women for treatment of injuries. Do you know anything about if there is still that kind of usage contemporarily, or not?

Many native cultures  were using the blood for healing. Some of them still do. And they pour it to plants, to give them vitamins and bring the fertile blood back to Earth. It's a sacred act of reconciliation and gratitude shared by many women around the World even nowadays. (And the plants truly grow bigger and nicer. I can guarantee :-)

Can we consider the film as a rebellion against male dominancy on women's body?

It's  a rebellion against the prejudices, social rules and pharmaceutical and consume dictate. It's rebellion against anyone who tries to tell you that you are inferior or dirty because you are menstruating.  They want us to believe all those lies, because they are scared. Scared that we find out how powerful and sacred we are :-)

Thanks to the director for her great film and for kindly answering our questions.

For more information: http://mooninsideyou.com