Olya, an LGBTQ activist, is devoted to her girlfriend, Galya. But is the struggle against homophobia her true love? Olya is Moscow-born and more outspoken than Galya, a young lesbian from the provinces. Despite their differences, they intend to start a family and a life together. Much of their current life, however, is consumed by demonstrations against anti-homosexual propaganda in Russia. Alternately set on Moscow’s streets, capturing remarkable protest footage, and in the women’s home, the documentary judiciously explores the intersection of the idea of “freedom” in a couple’s public and personal lives. Premiered at the International Documentary Film Festival in Amsterdam, Olya’s Love presents a powerful account of those who fight daily against persecution in Russia and—at its core—reveals a fearless woman’s search for someone to share her life and her love.

— Will Gardner

PRECEDED BY:

Victory Day

DIR Alina Rudnitskaya 2014 Russia, Ukraine 29 min

In Russian with English subtitles While most Russians celebrate the annual Victory Day by commemorating their country’s defeat of Nazi Germany decades ago, six gay and lesbian couples share their own stories of government-instituted oppression. In-home interviews reveal the domesticity and normalcy of these ardent pairs, juxtaposed with clips of homophobic Russians in power and the raucous celebrations just outside the windows of the subjects—the true enemy is obvious.

AT&T Audience Award Text Voting Code: D314

Co-presented by:

The Council for Global Equality

National Center for Lesbian Rights