Menopause Menopaws, 14min., USA
Directed by Akiko Matsumoto
This short comedic film about menopause uses humor as a powerful tool to break down walls and spark honest conversations. While menopause can be overwhelming—hot flashes, mood swings, sleep issues—it also has moments of unexpected hilarity. By leaning into the comedy, the film shines a light on the realities of this transition, helping women feel seen, less alone, and hopefully sharing a few well-earned laughs along the way.

https://www.instagram.com/akiko_nyc_la_jp

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My age. I'm a woman in my 50s, and I noticed that many women of my age don't openly admit about them going through menopause. Also, I had the music first, I orchestrated using my laptop, and the ideas for the film grew from that.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

About a month.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

" " this is a tough question "like it or Not" ?

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The limitations of being a solo cellphone filmmaking. ( I am the main character and the only cameraman)

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

"Finally, a festival where people watched my film until the end." Thank you! Thank you and Thank you!! I had submitted to festivals focused on women, but some rejected ( that is ok) or even disqualified my work. One female film festival even said, "Comedy is not a feminist film."

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

Thanks to handy tools like smartphones, I realized I could use advanced yet affordable technology to create art.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

The Sound of Music and Amadeus.
I am a musician and a professional piano technician.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Festivals with open-minded audiences are wonderful. Constructive criticism from judges is also valuable, because we learn from it.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Excellent! Very impressive.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Rice.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I won't stop creating. When I find music that fits my narrative ideas, I will make another film. I encourage anyone (even kids) to do the same. I studied multimodal education and hold a doctoral degree, and my cognitive science experiments are still ongoing.