The Grand Illusion

In Russia, where repressive laws make it difficult to speak up without ramifications, protesting is a dangerous act. Queer artist Gena (Jenna) Marvin takes protesting to a whole new level, using performance art as an act of resistance. From a small town in Russia, Gena dons herself in otherworldly costumes — platform boots, body paint, and barbed wire are just some of the elements she uses — and protests the government on the streets of Moscow. Staging radical performances in public, her creative acts of courage become a new form of art and activism. The provoking performances challenge the people and systems around her, but also put her life in incredible danger.

In Russian with English subtitles.

“A devastating, urgent reminder that art can be dangerous and important and political and powerful — especially in ten-inch heels.” John Nugent, Empire Magazine

“Her otherworldly costumes, created from junk and tape, show the influence of Leigh Bowery; her fearlessness evokes the punk provocation of Pussy Riot. But ultimately, as Agniia Galdanova’s remarkable observational documentary shows, Gena is her own extraordinary creation.” Wendy Ide, The Observer