Reva - TIME TO TALK: My First Bleed – His First Stand
Reva - TIME TO TALK: My First Bleed – His First Stand is the inspiring true story of Reva from Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir. Faced with rejection from her mother but unconditional support from her father during her first period, Reva’s journey highlights the deep-rooted menstrual stigma in society. While many mothers continue traditions that isolate girls as "impure," fathers like Reva’s are breaking these taboos, offering comfort, education, and hygiene support.
In India, 23 million girls drop out of school every year due to menstrual stigma and lack of facilities, a crisis worsened by the silence of female family members. Reva refused to let this silence define her. She transformed her pain into a mission—raising awareness about menstrual health and advocating for free sanitary pad distribution in schools. Her courage inspired young girls in Udhampur to speak up, demand change, and challenge the outdated beliefs that hold them back.
This paradox forces society to rethink gender roles and highlights an urgent need for women to support each other rather than reinforcing taboos. Because breaking menstrual silence starts at home—when women uplift women, the stigma ends. – Dr. Aijaz
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Dr. Aijaz Ahmad KhanDirector
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Dilawar HussainWriter
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Dr. Aijaz Ahmad KhanProducer
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Reva DeviKey Cast"Reva"
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Project Type:Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Short, Television, Web / New Media, Other
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Runtime:14 minutes 36 seconds
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Completion Date:February 23, 2025
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Production Budget:11,000 USD
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Country of Origin:India
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Country of Filming:India
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Language:Hindi
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan – Director Profile
Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan is an award-winning filmmaker, director, and media expert from Jammu & Kashmir, India.
With over 15 years of experience, he has directed and produced more than 130 films, documentaries, and TV shows.
He specializes in rural development films, social awareness campaigns, and cultural documentaries.
Dr. Aijaz has worked extensively in television, radio, and theatre, showcasing his versatility in media production.
His films have been featured on government platforms, film festivals, and television channels.
He received the Atmanirbhar Bharat Rashtriya Gramya Sashaktikaran Puraskar 2022 for his contribution to IEC and media.
Dr. Aijaz has collaborated with national and international organizations to create impactful storytelling projects.
His direction style blends realism with strong narratives, focusing on social issues and cultural heritage.
He has also acted in Bollywood films, TV serials, and reality shows, gaining recognition in the entertainment industry.
Dr. Aijaz was honored with the Youth Icon Award 2015 for his outstanding contributions to media and youth empowerment.
He has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Brookfield International University, USA, recognizing his excellence in media, filmmaking, art, and cultural preservation.
Passionate about using media as a tool for social change, Dr. Aijaz continues to inspire through his cinematic vision.
Director's Statement – Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan
Reva "TIME TO TALK: My First Bleed – His First Stand" is not just a film; it is a voice for millions of girls who suffer in silence due to outdated beliefs and social taboos. Reva’s story is a reflection of the struggles faced by countless young girls across India, where menstruation is still treated as a subject of shame rather than a natural biological process.
As a filmmaker, my goal is to challenge societal norms and shed light on the unspoken realities of menstrual stigma. This film highlights the crucial role fathers can play in breaking these taboos—showing that understanding and support should not be limited to mothers alone. Reva’s father becomes a beacon of change, proving that awareness begins at home.
With 23 million girls dropping out of school every year due to the lack of menstrual hygiene facilities, this is more than just a conversation—it is an urgent call for action. Through this film, I aim to inspire families, communities, and institutions to prioritize menstrual education, hygiene, and dignity.
Cinema has the power to shift mindsets, and I believe TIME TO TALK will ignite important conversations that lead to real change. When women uplift each other and men stand beside them, we can break the cycle of silence. It’s time to talk. It’s time to listen. It’s time to act.
