Smahi Anand is an Indian filmmaker, besed in Los Angeles, California. Growing up in a community where menstruation was a taboo subject, Anand experienced firsthand the challenges and stigma associated with it. This personal connection profoundly influenced her latest project, Silent Cycle, which addresses these issues with sensitivity and depth. Anand’s journey into filmmaking began with her desire to use art as a means of sparking dialogue and promoting societal progress. Her work reflects a deep commitment to exploring and challenging cultural norms, aiming to foster greater understanding and empathy through her compelling narratives.

In a society where menstruation remains a taboo subject, filmmaker Smahi Anand is challenging these outdated norms with her latest film, Silent Cycle. The film is a personal project deeply rooted in her own experiences growing up in a community where discussions about menstruation were shrouded in secrecy and stigma. This pervasive silence inspired her to create a film that not only confronts these taboos but also highlights the challenges surrounding menstrual health that many women still face today.

“Growing up, the secrecy surrounding menstruation deeply affected me and shaped the narrative of Silent Cycle,” says Anand. “Witnessing this cultural silence among women in my community inspired me to create a film that confronts the taboos and challenges surrounding menstruation.” Anand acknowledges that while she was fortunate to receive education on menstrual hygiene, many women in her country continue to rely on traditional methods like cloth, despite the associated health risks. Through this film, she hopes to foster awareness and advocacy for better menstrual health practices, empowering women to break free from outdated norms.

The casting process for Silent Cycle was crucial in bringing authenticity to the film. Anand wanted to ensure that the characters were portrayed with the depth and nuance required to resonate with audiences. For the role of Vrinda, a young girl experiencing her first period, Anand sought an actress who could balance youthful innocence with emotional maturity. “We needed someone who could authentically convey the nuanced emotions and experiences associated with a girl’s first period,” she explains. The search for the right actress was intense, but Anand was determined to find someone who could bring Vrinda’s character to life with sincerity and authenticity.

For the character of Lata, the strict and stern mother, Anand found the perfect match in actress Sunita Rajwar. “Casting Sunita Rajwar as Lata turned out to be a stroke of luck. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of Lata’s character added layers of authenticity and depth to the film,” Anand notes. Rajwar’s portrayal of Lata, with her complex mix of love, fear, and adherence to tradition, brought a powerful realism to the film, making her one of the most compelling characters. Filming Silent Cycle in Mumbai, India, was a transformative experience for Anand, who initially had reservations due to her unfamiliarity with the city and its film industry. However, she was pleasantly surprised by the professionalism and dedication of the crew and creative team. “The warmth and camaraderie of the crew made me feel at home,” Anand reflects. “This journey reaffirmed my belief in the power of filmmaking to create connections across cultures and continents.” The experience in Mumbai not only enriched the film’s authenticity but also deepened Anand’s understanding of the issues at hand, making her storytelling even more impactful.

Addressing sensitive themes such as menstruation required careful preparation, particularly for the young cast. During rehearsals, the team engaged in open discussions about menstruation and its societal implications, helping the actors deeply understand their characters’ experiences. This respectful approach allowed the young cast to explore their roles with authenticity, portraying the emotional journey of puberty and societal expectations with understanding and empathy.

Anand hopes that Silent Cycle will spark meaningful conversations about menstruation and challenge societal norms and taboos. “By highlighting the struggles and resilience of young girls like Vrinda, the film aims to promote awareness and understanding of menstrual health,” she says. “Ultimately, I want the film to encourage communities to reconsider outdated practices and adopt more progressive, empathetic attitudes towards menstruation, fostering a culture of openness and support.”

The title Silent Cycle symbolizes the recurring and often unspoken nature of societal taboos surrounding menstruation, particularly within traditional Indian culture. The film explores how Vrinda’s journey challenges this silence, highlighting the cyclical nature of cultural norms and the potential for change through dialogue and understanding.