… det skall vara så här … 1985
Helena Lindgren's evocative short film … det skall vara så här … (1985) weaves menstruation's cultural stigma into a poetic visual essay.
Director: Helena Lindgren
Frequently Asked Questions
What is … det skall vara så här … (1985) about?
This Swedish short film explores menstruation through a generational lens, starting with a grandmother's confession of shame and evolving into a defiant visual essay that redefines women's bodily autonomy.
Who directed … det skall vara så här …?
The film was directed by Helena Lindgren, whose work often examines gender, identity, and societal norms through experimental storytelling.
Who stars in … det skall vara så här …?
Helena Lindgren's grandmother appears in a pivotal role, sharing her personal experiences to frame the film's central theme.
Is … det skall vara så här … (1985) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, this 5-minute short offers a bold, thought-provoking perspective on a rarely discussed topic. Its poetic approach and historical significance make it a compelling watch for fans of feminist cinema.
How long is … det skall vara så här …?
The film runs for 5 minutes.
About … det skall vara så här … (1985) — A 5-Minute Visual Essay on Menstruation and Freedom
Helena Lindgren's evocative short film … det skall vara så här … (1985) weaves menstruation's cultural stigma into a poetic visual essay. Opening with Lindgren's grandmother sharing her shame over her first period, the film unfurls a collage that dismantles medicalized taboos, reclaiming bodily autonomy through stark, liberating imagery. Lindgren's lens shifts from male-dominated narratives to a raw, female-centered perspective, affirming cycles as natural and sacred—ending with her grandmother quoting her own mother: 'It should be this way.'
A meditation on generational silence and bodily liberation, this five-minute gem uses archival footage and intimate framing to challenge societal norms. Its unflinching gaze transforms shame into empowerment, inviting viewers to reconsider the narratives that define womanhood. A haunting yet hopeful exploration of identity, this Swedish short film lingers long after the credits roll.