La regla de Gala

Directed by Raquel Fernández Blázquez

Synopsis:
Gala, a self-demanding 20-year-old girl, is preparing to take the firefighter exam. Due to her mom’s business trip, Gala and her father Alfonso will be living together for a few days. Gala will get her period accompanied by severe menstrual pain. She and her father will have to figure out how to manage the situation, knowing that Gala must attend her exam if she hopes to become a firefighter.

Director Statement:
Menstrual pain is underdiagnosed and undertreated. This exacerbates the loneliness, incomprehension, and helplessness that women can sometimes feel during episodes of acute pain. A significant portion of society doesn't know how to handle it when a woman suffers from menstrual pain. Some of us have support and understanding, but what happens when these disappear? It is not recognized that the drop in performance during those days is well-documented, and yet women are still expected to perform at the same level. We need to openly discuss this issue to feel free, not disregarded or vulnerable, and to teach our closest circles how they can support and accompany us. I speak from personal experience, having experienced severe pain. The circle of women around me also identifies with this, and they agree that there is still a lack of information, understanding, and support. This short film aims to be a step towards addressing that. This story aims to convey an honest perspective on menstruation, from the sensitivity and everydayness, lightness, and humor of daily life, as a journey of learning, giving the viewer the space to become familiar with this aspect of femininity.