Menopause Menopaws

0:14:00 mins
United States
English

Synopsis

This short comedic film about menopause uses humor as a powerful tool to break down walls and spark honest conversations. While menopause can be overwhelming—hot flashes, mood swings, sleep issues—it also has moments of unexpected hilarity. By leaning into the comedy, the film shines a light on the realities of this transition, helping women feel seen, less alone, and hopefully sharing a few well-earned laughs along the way.
Title: Menopause Menopaws

Lead Cast:
Akiko Matsumoto as Akiko

Heather Henriksen as Heather

Supporting Cast:
Danuta Pollens as Guest No. 1

Ms. R as Guest No. 2

Diane Britt-Smith as Guest No. 3

Julie Gitlin as Lady in the Park

Amy Hitotsubashi as Happy Lady No.1

Jane Steele as Happy Lady No.3

Director, Writer, Producer:
Akiko Matsumoto

Music Composer:
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844–1908) – Scheherazade, Op. 35

MIDI orchestration by Akiko Matsumoto

Director of Photography:
Akiko Matsumoto

Photographer (Magazine Images):
Susie Lang
Map Data:
Google Earth Studio
Images of Flowers and Mature ladies: Adobe Stock
Brain footages:
Asset ID 3527494229
T shirt Designed by:
Equalitee Apparel

Menopause Menopaws (2026)

EUROPE MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS
Award Winner

Amsterdam New Cinema Film Festival
Award Winner

Cine Paris Film Festival
Award Winner

Mannheim Arts and Film Festival
Award Winner

Portugal Indie Film Festival
Award Winner

Mannheim Arts and Film Festival
Award Winner

Berlin Indie Film Festival
Award Winner

Cine Paris Film Festival
Award Winner

SLASH EYES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIBAL
Award Winner

Independent Shorts Awards
Finalist

Indie Short Fest
Semi-Finalist

Humro Cinema Film Fest
Nominee

Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival
Nominee

12th ARFF Barcelona // International Film Festival
Selected

Stockholm City Film Festival
Selected

Los Angeles Movie & Music Video Awards
Selected

UFFS Universal Film Festival Samothraki
Selected

FEEDBACK Female Film Festival (FFFF)
Selected

©Akiko Matsumoto
https://www.instagram.com/akiko_nyc_la_jp/

Title: 

Menopause Menopaws

Award Year: 

2025

Director: 

Akiko Matsumoto

Casts: 

Akiko Matsumoto, Heather Henriksen

Producer: 

Akiko Matsumoto

Writer: 

Akiko Matsumoto

Director's Interview

Festival: 

2025

Category: 

short

Country: 

United States

Language: 

English

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