An award-winning documentary on women’s hidden struggles with endometriosis will be screened in Letterkenny this April.
‘Below the Belt’, executive produced by Hillary Rodham Clinton, sheds light on the often-ignored struggles of women with endometriosis, a condition that affects millions worldwide and up to 10% of women in Ireland. Women in Ireland face delays of an average of 9 years to get a diagnosis of the often-misunderstood disease.
A special screening of ‘Below the Belt’ is coming to Letterkenny’s Century Cinemas on Monday, April 29th at 8pm. The documentary highlights the story of four women suffering from this chronic, whole body inflammatory disease. The screening and post show discussion aims to provide women of all ages in Donegal the knowledge and awareness necessary to navigate a diagnosis of Endometriosis.
Donegal woman Kathleen King has lived with endometriosis since she was 12 years old and has been an advocate for over 25 years.
“Endometriosis is an invisible disease that can have a devastating impact on a woman’s quality of life,” Kathleen says. She further explains that the condition is often misdiagnosed or dismissed, leading to delayed treatment and unnecessary suffering.
Debilitating period pain is not normal and should not be ignored.
According to Kathleen King, it is imperative for both the medical community and society as a whole to give endometriosis the attention it deserves and to have faith in women’s accounts.
Endometriosis advocates Kathleen King and Cheryl Rock. Photo by Annette Sweeney
Kathleen’s personal experience has motivated her to raise awareness and support those affected by endometriosis. She has worked with Endometriosis Association of Ireland, World Endometriosis Organisation and the ESHRE Endometriosis Guidelines Review group and is the founder of DEARG (Delivering Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Research and Guidance) Ireland’s only podcast dedicated to endometriosis. She is also the founder of MISE (Menstrual Information, Specialising in Endometriosis) a schools programme that launched in Donegal in March 2024.
The event is also being promoted by St Johnston filmmaker Cheryl Jane Rock. Recently diagnosed, Cheryl says that ‘Below The Belt’ has acted as a lifeline for her in helping to come to terms with chronic illness.
It was on the set of Vikings Valhalla in 2022 when Cheryl became more severely symptomatic for the first time and was later diagnosed in 2023 with stage four deep infiltrating endometriosis.
Cheryl is a member of the Art Directors Guild of Ireland and is passionate about the need for research, cure and conversation around this enigmatic disease.
Endometriosis is a widespread and persistent issue that affects a vast number of individuals globally. This condition is characterised by the growth of tissue similar to the endometrium in various parts of the body and can result in severe pain, difficulties with fertility, and other health issues.
The costs associated with endometriosis in Ireland can be substantial, both for the individual and for society as a whole. In addition to the direct costs of medical care, endometriosis can result in lost wages, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare utilisation. The cost to the Irish economy and health service has not been assessed to date.
Tickets are now available to book for Below The Belt at Century Cinemas Letterkenny on Monday, April 29th at 8pm. There is a limited free option available for those who need to prioritise other financial needs, click here to book: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/phenomna/1215854
The Endometriosis Association of Ireland is there for all affected by endometriosis, and they run an online education and support group.
Please visit www.endometriosis.ie or email info@endo.ie for more information.
