Special Screening
The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 7:00pm
Little Theatre 1 (240 East Ave.)
Doors open at 6:300pm
Standard ticket prices
Tickets available online in advance, at our box office during open hours, or at the door (if tickets remain).
Accessibility at this Screening
• Open Captions
• Hearing Amplification (accessibility device or hearing loop)
“The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause” is the first US documentary exploring the hidden impact of menopause on women’s lives. With 55 million women in the United States currently experiencing menopause, this life stage is often surrounded by silence and misinformation, exacerbating the broader crisis in women’s health.
Menopause symptoms can derail careers, disrupt relationships, and cause unnecessary suffering. This film presents evidence-based solutions to challenge the negativity associated with menopause and empowers women to take control of their health. Women of all walks of life open up about the physical and mental anguish they live with every day. Doctors and policymakers speak out on the changes that need to be made, especially in the workplace where roughly 44% of women are over the age of 45. While some women experience mild symptoms, many face issues ranging from hot flashes and weight gain to anxiety and fatigue.
With insights from renowned experts including Dr. Sharon Malone, Dr. Somi Javaid, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin (Yale School of Medicine), Dr. Wen Shen (Johns Hopkins Medicine), and Dr. Stephanie Faubion (Mayo Clinic and The Menopause Society), the film dispels myths about hormone replacement therapy, evaluates over-the-counter supplements, and addresses how women of color uniquely experience menopause.
“The M Factor” empowers women to make informed health decisions and aims to remove the stigma surrounding menopause and aging.
The film screening will be followed by an in-person panel discussion. Details below
Not Rated | 58 min | Documentary | 2024
USA | English
Digital | Video Project
Meet the Panelists
Dr. Ashanthi Gajaweera is a board-certified neurologist with over 25 years of clinical experience and one of few neurologists to hold the Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) credential. She is the founder of Healthspan Neurology, where she helps women take an active role in protecting their brain health, particularly through the pivotal menopausal transition — when changes in hormones, cardiometabolic health, and cognition make early action matter most. She is passionate about giving women the knowledge and tools to advocate for their own minds.
Nikki Blanding is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, bringing extensive experience and a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science from Springfield College. Her expertise shines in empowering individuals to achieve their unique wellness goals through personalized coaching and evidence-based strategies. With over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry, Nikki offers a comprehensive understanding of human physiology, effective exercise prescription, and the intricate complexities of health challenges. A lifelong learner, she is passionately committed to equipping women with evidence-based insights so they can confidently take charge of their health in bite-sized, achievable ways. When she’s not coaching, Nikki cherishes time with family, enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, and playing pickleball.
Lisa Diminuco | A passionate advocate for mental fitness, Lisa combines her extensive background in advertising, marketing, and business operations with a profound understanding of emotional intelligence. Her mission is to empower individuals and groups, especially business leaders, mid-career women, and women navigating perimenopause and menopause, to cultivate resilience, reduce anxiety and stress, and embrace positive transformation.
With over two decades of personal practice in yoga and meditation, Lisa’s expertise is further enriched by certifications in meditation, studies with DavidJi, Positive Intelligence (PQ), and Menopause GGS-1. Her unwavering commitment to client satisfaction ensures exceptional experiences for everyone she works with.
Beyond her coaching, Lisa is a dedicated community advocate, having served AutismUp for over a decade as a Board Member and President. She finds joy on her mat, in her garden, and planning her next family travel adventure!
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