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Satori Shakoor’s Film Explores Menopause with Humor

A visual representation capturing the humor and empowerment found in menopause.

News Summary

Satori Shakoor’s film ‘Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale’ premieres on streaming platforms, adapting her one-woman show that humorously explores menopause. The film addresses personal experiences, stigma, and promotes open conversations about women’s health.

Detroit – Satori Shakoor’s film “Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale” is set to premiere on major streaming platforms on June 12, 2023. The film is a filmed adaptation of her one-woman show that explores the complexities of menopause through humor and candid storytelling.

Shakoor, a veteran performing artist, began experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, which include mood swings, cramps, heart palpitations, and hot flashes, roughly 25 years ago. This life transition, referred to by her mother as “the change of life,” came as a surprise to Shakoor, characterized by a lack of open communication or preparation regarding the challenges of menopause. Her film seeks to address these issues and promote awareness surrounding menopause, a subject that is receiving more public attention in recent years.

The narrative of “Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale” begins with Shakoor experiencing a panic attack in 2022, which nearly disrupted a planned trip to Hawaii. Throughout the film, she opens up about various personal experiences, including past relationships, financial difficulties, postpartum depression, and the profound loss of her son and mother. The combination of storytelling, music, and her raw experiences allows the audience to witness her journey through menopause, showcasing personal growth and transformation, often through a humorous lens.

Shakoor highlights the empowering aspects of menopause, illustrating how this phase of life has inspired her to embrace radical self-acceptance and articulate her personal narrative. The film records her honest reflections and experiences, aiming to dismantle the stigma surrounding menopause and foster healthy discussions about women’s health.

The production process of the film took two years, culminating in its distribution on various streaming platforms. The live performance of her one-woman show took place in 2023 at the Detroit Public Theatre, serving as the foundation for the filmed adaptation. Shakoor’s commitment to leaving behind a legacy for women experiencing menopause began in 2018 when she set out to document her story. She participated in a storytelling contest by the Moth in Detroit in 2011, which eventually led to her hosting Moth events, further enhancing her storytelling craft.

Satori Shakoor’s artistic background includes being a member of the Brides of Funkenstein girl group and touring with the iconic George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. Additionally, she is a founding member of the Obsidian Theatre Company in Toronto, which focuses on supporting Black actors and playwrights.

The recent spotlight on menopause in popular culture has been reflected in initiatives like that of Halle Berry, who relaunched her wellness site to provide resources and raise awareness around menopause. Shakoor’s work aligns with this growing movement to break the stigmas associated with menopause and to promote informative conversations regarding women’s health matters.

Currently, Satori Shakoor hosts “Detroit Performs Live” on Detroit Public TV and conducts storytelling workshops across various sectors, further emphasizing her commitment to sharing stories and fostering community connection. Through “Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale,” Shakoor hopes to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing dialogue about menopause, encouraging a culture of humor and openness regarding this significant life transition.