Endometriosis affects more than 265 million women worldwide, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood, under-researched, and chronically stigmatized conditions in modern medicine. A groundbreaking new documentary, “End of the Cycle,” presented by The Endometriosis Collective, is changing that conversation one powerful story at a time.
Directed by Sammy Jaye and Soraya Simi, the film weaves together intimate personal narratives, cutting-edge science, historical revelations, and cultural commentary to challenge decades of misconceptions. The result is both deeply personal and urgently scientific, sending out a clarion call for research investment, medical accountability, and systemic change.
The film features an extraordinary ensemble of women: comedian Amy Schumer, U.S. Olympian Brittany Brown, actress Janel Parrish, actress and musician Fọlákẹ́ Olówòfóyèkù, dancer Julianne Hough, and influencer Sammy Jaye Lang.
When asked to describe endometriosis in three words, their responses cut to the heart of the condition: “agony, isolation, harmful.”
But “End of the Cycle” goes beyond depicting suffering. It depicts action, resilience, and hope. Alongside these patient voices, the film features leading researchers and clinicians, including MIT professor Linda Griffith, director of the Center for Gynepathology Research. Griffith brings both her pioneering scientific expertise and her personal journey living with endometriosis—a perspective that has shaped her life’s work.
“There’s a fair degree of consensus about the definition of endometriosis,” Griffith explains in the film, “but we need to understand the basic process of how normal tissue is regulated so that we can understand the diseased tissue better. That’s my goal.”
Today, her research at MIT is pioneering new approaches to understanding and treating endometriosis. “Only by working together across all our disciplines and putting all our talents in all the different places they are needed, we will find answers, treatments, cures, and even prevention.”
That’s the promise of “End of the Cycle.” That by amplifying these voices, accelerating research, and demanding better from our medical systems, we can fundamentally shift the trajectory of endometriosis diagnosis, treatment, and care.
“End of the Cycle” is now available to stream. Visit endocollective.org to watch.
CGR will host a screening of the film at MIT on September 30, as well as a panel to discuss developments in the industry and science. More information to come.
