WATCH HERE
A film by Chiara Schreder
With
Christina Laas-Smulik | Janine Hickl
Lydia Uroko | Nathalie Kinard | Ivo Wehinger | Cecilia Kukua | Maartje Pasman | Alex Schauer | Jona Moro | Pippa Galli
Narrated by
Joanna Godwin-Seidl
15min | Short Film | 2021 | AUSTRIA
Adenomyosis is often described as the “evil sister” of Endometriosis
– and vice versa. Two similar conditions, that can cause immense suffering and debilitating pain.
As filmmakers we want to visualise our daily struggles in an artistic and abstract context. Hence, our short film personifies the chronic illnesses as two “hysterical” sisters, played by two wonderful women. The narrative follows their daily endeavours of terrorising sufferers.
Our film’s message is essentially, that we’re neither hormonal nor hysterical.
But stuck in an endless cycle of being misunderstood, mistreated and
in pain.
Since loneliness, shame and a lack of understanding shape the lives of many affected people, we want to raise awareness, break taboos, end the stigma and ultimately show sufferers they’re not alone.
“ADENO & ENDO. TWO SISTERS BOUND BY BLOOD . . .”
ADENOMYOSIS
“Adenomyosis is a chronic illness, where tissue that normally lines the womb starts to grow within its muscular wall. This can make periods particularly painful, causing pelvic pain, due to an enlarged uterus.“
ENDOMETRIOSIS
“Endometriosis is a chronic illness, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes etc. This can lead to pain, heavy and irregular periods and sometimes sadly infertility.”
*We are not health care professionals. We draw from our own experiences with the illnesses.
For medical information, we encourage you to do your own research and visit appropriate websites.
PERIOD INCLUSIVITY
Our project aims to be a voice for affected women, trans men, non-binary folks and ultimately all menstruating people, who may suffer from Adenomyosis and/or Endometriosis.
Menstrual activism, equality and inclusivity play a big role in our visual poem.
Our supporting characters are thus, also portrayed by people from various gender identities.
While it is important to acknowledge that women’s health is often overlooked in society and modern medicine, it is vital to include trans men and non-binary people in the conversation.
Even within our communities we often don’t realise who can be affected by these chronic illnesses.
Let’s be inclusive in our individual experiences with the illnesses.
After all, we‘re in this together.
Why did we choose the term sisters?
“HYSTERICAL SISTERS – A visual poem about Adenomyosis and Endometriosis.”
Even though our main title “Hysterical Sisters” seems to be gender specific, our short film aims to be a platform and safe space for all menstruating people.
In this context, the term “sisters” itself is supposed to be derogatory and condescending, because that’s sadly often our reality.
It stems from society and health care professionals still calling Adenomyosis and Endometriosis the “evil sisters”.
So we want to authentically portray real life.
Stay in touch for more information and regular updates . . . 🎗️
HYSTERICAL SISTERS 