Can Feminism and Religion Coexist? A Deep Dive Into “Girls & Gods”

The thought-provoking documentary “Girls & Gods”is set to premiere at the CPH:DOX, Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, on March 23. This film is directed by Inna Shevchenko, a prominent figure in the Ukrainian FEMEN collective. It embarks on a journey to explore the intricate relationship between women’s rights and various religious beliefs through personal narratives and discussions.

In her exploration, Shevchenko engages in frank dialogues with an array of individuals, including priests, imams, rabbis, and fellow activists. According to the festival’s website, these conversations aim to shed light on the diverse perspectives surrounding women’s rights within religious contexts.

“In a groundbreaking personal journey, Inna Shevchenko meets extraordinary, inspiring women, some are fighting against religion, others defend religion, and surprisingly many have started to reform religion. They all are united by one belief: Women are magnificent. No god – neither in heaven nor on Earth – may deprive them of their rights or subordinate them to men.”

The film is described as a compelling narrative that encourages viewers to reinterpret sacred symbols through a feminist lens. The directors of “Girls & Gods”aim to transform traditional notions of faith into empowering imagery for women, fostering new dialogues around spirituality and gender.

One of the notable figures featured in this documentary is Nadya Tolokonnikova, a founding member of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot, known for her outspoken advocacy for women’s rights and freedom of expression.

Shevchenko comments on the documentary’s creation, stating that her choice to use film was driven by a desire to move past mere slogans and simplistic narratives. “It’s about exploring my own self-doubts as an activist after years of facing the world with very defined statements,”she explains. “The film reflects not just my activism, but its evolution.” This introspective approach adds depth to the discourse on feminism and religion.

International sales for the film are being managed by Cat&Docs, reflecting the global relevance of its themes.

In the documentary, Riahi shares her own experiences to illustrate the complex realities faced by many believers. “We had to flee from Iran due to an Islamic government, losing family members due to their beliefs. Yet, there are also my grandparents who are devout believers. Inna’s willingness to engage progressive voices within these religions is what we need today. We must prioritize realistic changes while acknowledging that 95 percent of religious individuals are peaceful supporters of their faith,”she adds.

Soltiz emphasizes the importance of giving voice to those often unheard in mainstream narratives. “Our film features many outspoken individuals. We aimed to spotlight artists—poets, musicians, graffiti artists—who contribute meaningfully to the discourse surrounding feminism and religion,” he notes. By doing this, “Girls & Gods”seeks to create a balanced representation of voices, facilitating a richer dialogue about these intersecting issues.

The documentary’s trailer promises a provocative collection of artistic expressions and heated debates, sure to inspire significant discourse. To get a glimpse of the compelling discussions ahead, watch the trailer below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwUk8V4rEuc

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