A BLOODY MESS - Teaser

A Bloody Mess is a call to the South Asian community and society that we must engage in open dialogue with males and females alike when it comes to the reproductive process, and specifically, menstruation. The need to ensure that myths and stereotypes are not attached to menstruation is important as the day-to-day functioning of a family can be inexplicably disturbed when one resorts to the negative connotations that surrounds the coming and going of a period. 

A Bloody Mess is our attempt to “normalize” the process of menstruation in order to ensure that shame is no longer attached to a biological function that female bodies have no control over. It is our attempt to push the community to celebrate or at least accept that menstruation is an important part of life, and one that should not hinder any functioning on any one person’s part. 

Young women often find out about their periods when they first get their periods, or from school. Parents often do not have a meaningful conversation with their children about menstruation, the importance of the cycle, and the side effects. 

Young Canadian South Asians often feel uncomfortable talking about their periods in a social setting or a familial setting. They are often shut down by other female figures in the family, who find it embarrassing to talk about. Some regard the period as an impurity that the body is cleansing itself of, so much so that restrictions are placed on participation in religious and cultural settings. They cannot enter temples. They cannot indulge in “prasad”. 

A Bloody Mess is a film about a teenage girl, Varsha, who comes from a conservative South Asian family, in which talking about menstruation is considered taboo. From a young age, she was given the impression that menstruation and anything associated with periods was not to be spoken of out loud. She is also told that there are various cultural and religious rituals she cannot be a part of while she is on her period, because of perceived impurity of menstruation. 

From the time she gets her first period, she faces confusion, fear, and restrictions. She is limited in what she can talk about to her own father and brother, because as males they cannot be told about menstruation. She wants to be able to say “I’m on my period Dad” instead of always being referred to as “being sick” or “not feeling well” by her mother. Will Varsha be able to voice her opinions in the conservative family she comes from? Will she be able to break free of all the limitations that she is set with? Will she be able to counter all the myths and stereotypes surrounding the menstrual cycle?

A positive and energetic television personality, Asis started her career as a Reporter on Chardi Kalaa, OMNI News – South Asian Edition, Badhai Ho and Bollywood Boulevard on OMNI Television. She soon became the co-host of Chardi Kalaa and the title host of Tuned In With Asis Sethi on OMNI Television, both of which boast of significant fan following and critical praise.
Asis has directed, written, and produced many independent projects including a short film titled The Unforgotten. Asis has also directed and written The Colourful Crown, a documentary film based on the effects About the Director of 9/11 on turban wearers in Canada, which was screened at film festivals and aired on OMNI Television nationally. Asis is also the writer and director of the 16-episode documentary series title ‘Darshan Dekh Jeeva’, in which she traveled all over India and explored historical Sikh shrines. The documentary is currently airing nationally on OMNI Television. Asis’s most recent work includes producing and directing a three episode television show for Scotiabank and OMNI TV titled Welcome To Canada which highlighted real life stories told by immigrants of Canada. Asis is also a proud recipient of the Phulkari Award. 

Asis has worked with renowned entertainers like Mike Myers (Austin Powers, Shrek), Nelly Furtado (Singer Songwriter) and Mike Holmes (Holmes on Homes, Corner Gas). She has also worked with Eva Birthistle (The Last Kingdom), Tim Dutton (Genius, The Infiltrator), David Alpay (Suits, Proven Innocent), Jessica Alba (Fantastic Four, Sin City) and Romany Malco (A Million Little Things).

Maria-Crystal Melo
Maria-Crystal Melo has been nominated as (Best Actress) Rolda Web Fest and Best Rising Star Jury Award Nominee (Seoul Web Fest). She appeared in other productions "Wave" directed by Jasmine Mozaffari and Catilin Grabham premiered at the Vancouver International Film Festival, Aesthetica Short Film Festival, UK. The short film "Twisted" received a Merit award from the Canada short film festival and premiered at the Los Angeles Cine film festival in 2016. Maria-Crystal also appeared as the main protagonist "Molly" in a cyber punk feature film "Tape Place" directed by Allsun Campbell which discusses identity theft, dominated by metropolis and technology and surveillance. It received an Award of Merit under the Accolade Competition in 2018. 

Annie J Koshy
Annie J Koshy is an award winning media professional and emcee with a flair for community leadership.  

Annie's company, GTA South Asian Media Network Inc., gives those working and supporting the South Asian media industry an opportunity to network and develop business relationships with others.  

Annie J Koshy has developed a recognized brand and reputation. She is signed with one of Toronto's top modeling and talent agency, Carolyn's Model and Talent for print, commercial and voice work and currently has several published print and commercial ads.  

As a media and event consultant, Annie works with several organizations to create an experience that is unique and thoroughly professional.  Her business cards will be available for you to contact her for your event needs.
Annie has worked with prominent entertainers such as Nick Chavez. Annie’s work has been showcased on the international level and has been aired on CNN. She has also been featured on billboards in Pune, India. She is a CAIS- AP - Rising Star Awardee, International Women’s Day - Award Winner in the Media Arts category, The Toronto Waterfront Magazine and the People’s Choice Winner in the Business and Entrepreneurship category. 

Armin Sethi (Producer):
Armin Sethi has a passion for stories that delve into everyday issues, and hopes these stories come to life on the big screen. She writes, produces, and has a knack for making a vision come to life. She is also a full-time Crown Prosecutor in Ontario. In the evenings, she wears the hat of the Editor-in-chief of Bollywood Film Fame magazine and interviews many film icons in that capacity. When she has some spare time, she teaches in a post-secondary institution, dances, draws, and enjoys sports. 
Daniel Everitt-Lock (Director of Photography/Cinematographer):
Daniel is an accomplished and award winning Cinematographer. Associate member of the CSC (Canadian Society of Cinematographers), Daniel has worked across the globe, on work ranging from feature films to 360 interactive media. His work has also screened at numerous festivals across North America and Europe. Daniel has worked with Academy Award Winner Sir Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, Schindler's List),  Julian Morris (New Girl, Pretty Little Liars) and Tamzin Merchant (The Tudors, Super Girl, Pride and Prejudice). 

Steven Ejbick (Sound Engineer):

Steven Ejbick is a Canadian Screen Award winning and Gemini Award nominated Toronto-based freelance sound engineer with specialties ranging from theatrical releases to broadcast, including corporate and commercial media, TV shows, documentaries, reality-based series, and web releases. We have a reputation for producing high-quality technical and creative audio production, both on location and in post, offering you a comprehensive multimedia experience.