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/
