Inside Femen: Topless Jihad, observational documentary, Katalyst Productions, 2014.
Sharron Ward gained rare access inside the training camp of Femen in Paris – the world’s most militant feminist activist group who have staged provocative protests across the globe by taking their clothes off in protest at the objectification of women’s bodies. Causing controversy, derision and attention-grabbing headlines wherever they go, Femen protest about abortion rights, prostitution, the sex industry, dictatorship and religious fundamentalism – both Christian and Islamic. But who is Femen and what do they really seek to achieve with their “topless jihad?” With intimate access, the film follows founder Inna Shevchenko, now living in exile in France, and her band of “sextremists” as she trained them mentally & physically for their “naked war.” We were on the inside as the activists prepared for their biggest ever demonstration against Front National and Marine Le Pen, with over 20 Femen activists attending from around the world. Filmed, produced & directed by Sharron Ward, 2014. To be completed.
