Experiencing Interruptions?

Turning Periods into Pathways

In the remote hills of western Nepal, women and girls are often isolated to cattle sheds or small huts each month during their periods, as part of a cultural practice called chhaupadi. Not only do they face isolation during menstruation, but they are often faced with the threat of extreme weather, poisonous snakes, and attacks by wild animals. Days for Girls is shifting their tradition from one of shame to celebration. A local Nepali training team including, Lila Simkhada, are leading the charge. Director: Boone Sommerfeld, Producer: Sandy Clark for Days for Girls International

  • Boone Sommerfeld
    Director
  • Sandy Clark, Sarah Webb
    Writer
  • Sandy Clark, Boone Sommerfeld
    Producer
    Days for Girls International
  • Lila Simkhada
    Key Cast
    "Lila Simkhada"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Web / New Media
  • Runtime:
    3 minutes 37 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 25, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    7,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Nepal
  • Country of Filming:
    Nepal
  • Language:
    Nepali
  • Shooting Format:
    digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • website, youtube
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: Internet
Director Biography - Boone Sommerfeld

Boone Sommerfeld is a filmmaker based in Seattle, WA who tells human interest stories for charities, non-profits, and brands. His background includes non-profit design and advertising art direction. His passion for cultures, languages, and nature have taken him to 28 countries and counting.

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Director Statement

The Days for Girls team in Nepal are changing long held traditions and redefining their future by breaking the silence surrounding menstruation. Watching women and girls gather to talk and celebrate periods was something I didn't expect-- especially as foreigner and male. Yet, Lila and her team showed me the power of grassroots leadership combined with a viable, beautiful solution (DfG Kits).