CUP?
Channel: Josh Mutia
Date: 2021-11-03

#CupItUp

FLMSD1A - Documentary Specialization
Digital Filmmaking Program
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde


Background

In the current Philippine socio-political landscape, women’s hygiene products such as menstrual care pads have been set as the accepted norms for a conservative Philippines; giving little to no room for alternatives to be completely socially accepted and openly discussed about without social consequences and without being stigmatized for using alternative menstrual care products. Menstrual cups are one of these products that have since been left out of the talking spaces of Filipina consumers when it comes to hygiene products. In comparison to menstrual pads that are disposable and only a one-time-use, menstrual cups are reusable for up to 5-10 years which gives the cups an environmental advantage over the pads (Hait, 2019).
Historically, women used various ways to deal with their menstruation, such as washable cloth napkins, and pads made from animal pelt and specific species of moss. In the 1800s the disposable napkin appeared on store shelves. These napkins were a rare commodity has had little demand as women had fewer menstrual cycles during these times due to being pregnant frequently and lactating subsequently as compared to the demand of menstrual sanitary products today (Read, 2008).
With the overwhelming support for sustainable products today and more women joining the movement for women empowerment, what does the future look for menstrual care?

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Director’s statement

The goal of this documentary is to make the discussion of alternative menstrual care as a common topic for open discourse, breaking the social standard of secrecy when talking about menstruation. Menstruation should not be hidden and should not be subject to social expectations as with other similar processes of the human body.
The human body is a work of art and every person embodying one should not feel an ounce of shame or contempt when discussing their natural processes and preferences with other people. Bleeding is not disgusting, vile, nor hideous; it’s nature doing what nature does.
Environmental sustainability in commercial products is high up in my list of personal advocacies. Menstrual cups have significantly less of a carbon footprint than of other menstrual care products; from manufacturing to consumer use. Advocating the switch to using menstrual cup will contribute to a more sustainable future.