Honoring Charlène Favier, the visionary and co-founder of Femen: A commemoration of her pioneering role
In the heart of July 2024, audiences will witness the inspiring story of Oksana Shachko, a fearless feminist activist, in the film "Oxana - My Life for Freedom". With a runtime of 103 minutes, the movie is set to be released on the 24th of July.
Directed by Charline Favier, the film delves into the life of Oksana Shachko, a member of the renowned Ukrainian feminist activist group, Femen. Founded in 2008 by Anna Hutsol, Alexandra Shevchenko, and Oksana herself, Femen initially focused on combating sex tourism and prostitution in Ukraine. Over time, the group has grown to become a powerful voice against gender inequality, oppression, and systemic discrimination.
Oksana's life was not an easy one. Before finding her place in Femen, she was a refugee, yet she remained selfless and dedicated to helping the poor and weak. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit.
Charline Favier, the visionary behind the film, shares a mission to create films that spark change. Although she acknowledges that she does not possess Oksana's courage, her aim is to encourage people to stay awake and aware, as the events happening now are significant and require action.
To finance the film, the script was carefully crafted to ensure a balance of French, Ukrainian, Russian, and Belarusian words, reflecting the multicultural nature of Oksana's life and Femen's international impact.
The production of "Oxana" faced numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the need for the film to be in French. Yet, through these obstacles, Favier integrated artistic elements into the film's concept, referencing paintings by Eugène Delacroix and portraying Oksana as a living painting.
Albina Korzh, the actress playing Oksana, was discovered through a two-year casting process via Zoom. She was heavily prepared through conversations, photos, videos, and discussions with Oksana's associates to ensure a truly authentic portrayal of the activist.
The film promises to showcase both the bright and dark aspects of Oksana's life, including her openness about her sexuality and her relationships with six romantic partners. Each of these men was deeply in love with her, but struggled to help her cope with her post-traumatic stress, loneliness, and depression.
Before arriving in Paris in 2013, Oksana and her comrades were in prison in Russia, where they were beaten and tortured. Despite these hardships, Oksana continued her fight for women's rights and justice, making her a true symbol of courage and resilience.
"Oxana - My Life for Freedom" is a powerful testament to Oksana Shachko's life and the impact Femen has had on the global conversation about women's rights. It serves as a call to action, reminding us all that everyone's actions matter, whether it's writing an article, posting on social media, attending a pride event, or making a film.
Science and health-and-wellness intersect in the compelling narrative of Oksana Shachko's life, underscoring the importance of mental health and resilience, particularly in the face of adversity. Women's health, a crucial aspect of her activism with Femen, is highlighted as Oksana openly discusses her relationships and personal struggles.
