Watch Ukraine Is Not a Brothel

Ukraine Is Not a Brothel is a 2013 documentary film directed and produced by Australian filmmaker Kitty Green. The film explores the work and beliefs of the activists from the feminist group FEMEN, who advocate for women's rights through topless protests. The film opens with a glimpse into the lives of several FEMEN activists as they prepare for a demonstration in Kiev. The group, led by Anna Hutsol, is opposed to the patriarchy that still dominates Ukrainian society, and they are fighting to establish a more equitable society that values women's rights.

The film then delves into the history of FEMEN, tracing the group's origins back to the town of Khmelnytskyi in western Ukraine. We learn that FEMEN was founded in 2008 by Anna Hutsol, among others, and that the group initially focused on protesting against the sex industry in Ukraine, which they viewed as a manifestation of the country's patriarchal culture.

In the following years, FEMEN gained international notoriety for its topless protests, which were staged in a variety of places, including Kiev, Moscow, London, and Paris. As the film shows, these protests often resulted in the arrest and physical abuse of FEMEN activists by authorities, but the group remained undeterred in their mission for change.

The film then shifts its focus to the personal lives of several FEMEN activists, including Inna Shevchenko and Sasha Shevchenko (no relation), who reveal how they became involved with the group and why they continue to participate in its activities. Through their stories, we come to see the deep personal convictions that drive FEMEN's members and the sacrifices they must make in order to fight for their cause.

Throughout the film, Green intersperses interviews with Hutsol, Inna Shevchenko, and other FEMEN members with footage of their protests and interactions with the police. The film also features interviews with critics of FEMEN, who argue that the group's use of nudity detracts from their message and that they are too extreme in their tactics.

Ultimately, Ukraine Is Not a Brothel is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary that delves into the social and political issues facing modern-day Ukraine. It offers a compelling portrait of FEMEN, a group of women who are willing to take risks and challenge authority in order to fight for their beliefs. Despite the controversies surrounding FEMEN's tactics, the film ultimately leaves us with a sense of the courage and dedication of this group of women, who are striving to create a better future for themselves and for women everywhere.

Ukraine Is Not a Brothel is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.