Park Pictures Unveils Explosive Short Film About the Intense Effects of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Last night saw the premiere of a new short from writer-director Abigail Wilson, a new signing to the Park Pictures London roster. In the film, Abigail explores the monthly battle women with PMDD can face, as two versions of herself grapple over a vehicle that is racing out of control. 

“This is not a mainstream film about the menstrual cycle” said UKMVA-winning writer-director Abigail Wilson - “It’s a metaphorical, visceral exploration of the emotional hurricane many women with PMDD can experience every month.” 

PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is a severe form of PMS characterized by intense emotional and physical symptoms significantly impacting daily life before menstruation. Affecting 1 in 20 people who menstruate, symptoms include severe mood swings, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Up to 30% of those affected attempt to take their own life. It takes on average 12 years to receive an accurate diagnosis and is often misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder.

“Filmmaking is one of the most immediate and impactful ways to communicate issues facing us today” said Abigail Wilson. “This film is rooted in my previous experience of having debilitating menstrual symptoms, whilst simultaneously advocating for those suffering (or unknowingly suffering) with PMDD, a disorder I wanted to shine a light on. The hormonal and mental health connection is real and as a menstruating woman I didn’t feel entirely represented by the depictions of menstrual related topics in pop culture I’d come across. I felt compelled to challenge that by creating something that felt intense, heightened and out of control. Maybe we’ve been conditioned to rally against this notion in fear of being stigmatised, well fuck that. Periods can be a really dark experience for some people, and that needs to be acknowledged, spoken about and accepted.” 

Overdrive premieres in London with a private screening hosted by Park Pictures London at the Rio Cinema. The screening is followed by a panel discussion chaired by film critic and author of ‘Strong Female Character’ Hanna Flint in conversation with writer/director Abigail Wilson, journalist and broadcaster Vicky Spratt, and PMDD activist/digital creator Ellisha Blake.

The film is supported by Wellbeing of Women, the only UK charity dedicated to funding research, education and advocacy across all of women's reproductive and gynaecological health, and The Thompson Family Charitable Trust.