When her alarm goes off to take her contraceptive pill, Camille enters a surreal fantasy world that brings to life the options women have for contraception, pressuring her to choose one.
The film highlights the question, ‘what if we stopped assuming that contraception is a woman’s responsibility?’ and opens the conversation brilliantly. It’s to the point in a fun way, highlighting the true ups and downs that birth control can bring. Written and directed by Julie Magnaudet, we’re whisked away into an animated gender stereotyped space that emphasises everything we know about contraception but don’t always take the time to think about. Written with a dark heart yet joyful appearance, it approaches this topic with a lightheartedness that sticks with you, pushing you to think about the seriousness of it.
Entering this imaginary world, we’re taken aback by the hilarious personification of the medical options women are constantly faced with. For whatever reason someone may choose to use contraception, these methods and devices can control our lives, making the selection incredibly difficult. Production Designer Aimee Meek and Costume Designer Sarah Yemalla fully invest in these side effects, making everything we are bombarded with a larger than life reality. The actors truly become their characters, embodying headaches, cramps and pains, following Camille around the fair, begging her to choose them. Costumes illuminate the options, with everything from hair and accessories to details stitched into outfits meticulously thought about. Nothing is by chance, fully embodying what these pills and potions would be like to speak to. The world is pink and bright, beautifully sarcastic compared to real life. It’s handcrafted and over the top, feeling truly feminine and gorgeous to look at.
Enhanced by Holly Buhagiar’s composed music, playfully we laugh through the scenarios, relating and understanding as the characters make their decisions to open up contraception to everyone. For years, women have wanted to share the burden of birth control, and this short allows that conversation to continue. It feels modern, different when approaching the subject compared to some PSAs. I want to share this with my friends, encourage learning and action. Comedy and purpose go hand in hand.
The Contraception Fair is a wonderful watch, filled with hilarity and lived experience that pushes an audience to think about their body, their choices, and the fact that they can say no.
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