The Filmmaking Duo Behind 'Jane Austen’s Period Drama' Discusses Mixing Comedy and Menstrual Education in Short Film Eligible for Oscars

Julia Aks and Steve Pinder present Jane Austens Period Drama, a witty short film that intertwines Regency-era romance with candid conversations about menstruation. The story follows Estrogenia (Aks) as she experiences her period during a long-awaited marriage proposal. Her suitor, Mr. Dickley (Taimua), misinterprets the situation as a serious injury, sparking a series of humorous events while highlighting the importance of breaking menstrual taboos.

The 13-minute short made its debut at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and was also screened at Tribeca. It has received multiple awards, including Best of the Fest at HollyShorts Comedy Film Festival, Best Comedy Jury Award at Aspen Shortsfest, and Audience Choice and Comedy Award at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival.

Origins of the Project

Julia Aks explained that the idea stemmed from a playful twist on the term period drama. Initially planned as a brief sketch, the concept expanded after Aks gathered stories from a female opera singer support group, uncovering both humorous and poignant experiences related to menstruation. These stories, combined with personal reflections, inspired the duo to develop a fuller narrative exploring women's health in a comedic context.

Steve Pinder added that the topic resonated with him personally, especially given his mothers work in communities where menstrual stigma persists. The filmmakers sought to create a blend of highbrow and lowbrow humor while raising awareness about accessibility and education around periods.

Balancing Education and Comedy

Aks and Pinder emphasized the careful crafting of the script to deliver scientific and educational content about menstruation without compromising the comedic elements. Their iterative process ensured the film remained engaging, avoiding the pitfalls of preachiness while still offering informative moments.

Character Names and Inspirations

The characters playful names, including Mr. Dickley, Estrogenia, and Vagianna, reflect the filmmakers sense of humor and wordplay. The team drew inspiration from 1990s and early 2000s Jane Austen adaptations, particularly Ang Lees Sense and Sensibility and Joe Wrights Pride and Prejudice, to capture the Regency aesthetic while adding a modern comedic twist.

Filming and Locations

Interior scenes were shot in a Tudor-style house in La Caada Flintridge, blending historical inspiration with practical filming needs. For exterior shots meant to evoke the lush English countryside, the crew traveled across Southern California and eventually Connecticut to find suitable greenery, balancing authenticity with the realities of summer in Los Angeles.

On-Screen Participation

Though initially hesitant to act, Aks ultimately played the lead role, with Pinder highlighting the value of her authentic voice in grounding the story. Their collaborative dynamic ensured that the performance captured the intended humor and perspective.

Audience Takeaways

The filmmakers hope viewers leave the short with a sense of joy and openness about discussing menstruation. Screenings have sparked conversations among audiences of all genders, encouraging shared experiences and reducing stigma. Aks noted the mixture of modern humor and Regency-era style illustrates how little was historically discussed about womens bodies, making the topic more relatable and entertaining for contemporary viewers.

Author: Ava Mitchell