Creators of ground-breaking menopause documentary unveil prequel on perimenopause

A revolutionary documentary that raises awareness on what menopausal and perimenopausal women go through makes its Cyprus premiere this month. After the global success of the award-winning The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, its team returns with a vital prequel: The (M) Factor 2: Before the Pause. Ready to showcase it to Cyprus audiences is an event co-hosted by AIPFE Cyprus-Women of Europe and Menopause Support Cyprus this Saturday at the University of Nicosia’s Discovery Hall.

Apart from the screening, the event also includes a live link with the Executive Producer, Jo LaMarca Mathisen, connecting the audiences with New York, while an expert-led roundtable discussion with doctors and health specialists will answer burning questions about the matter.

“Before The Pause sheds light on perimenopause,” say organisers, “the often-ignored years leading to menopause that can start in a woman’s mid-30s and last up to a decade. Despite affecting millions of women, this phase remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood. Featuring intimate interviews with women sharing their stories alongside men who’ve witnessed its impact, the film underscores how perimenopause affects relationships and families. It is a must-watch for all the men in our lives – equipping them with understanding and tools to support the women they care about.”

The documentary was directed by Jacoba Atlas, and produced by Tamsen Fadal, Denise Pines and Mathisen and weaves personal stories with expert insights. The first film was screened in 1,000 cities, including Nicosia and Limassol, and was also presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

“We’re starting this conversation earlier, at 35, not 50,” say Fadal and LaMarca. “Most women are told they’re too young or misdiagnosed entirely. This film is about validation, visibility, and a roadmap.”

“Perimenopause can start in your mid-30s, so why are we only talking about it at 50? This film starts the conversation when women need it most,” says Pines.

Saturday’s event kicks off at 2.15pm with a welcoming networking session before the screening premieres at 3pm. An hour later, the crowd will connect with the Executive Producer in New York before a roundtable discussion closes the event at 5.15pm, sharing practical strategies and empowerment tools for menopause navigation.

The (M) Factor 2: Before the Pause

Cyprus premiere of documentary on perimenopause, talks and discussions. March 28. Discovery Hall, University of Nicosia. 2.15pm-5.15pm. In English. Tickets via Eventbrite.com