Life during the storm

Anna Kurkurina's open lesbian identity serves as a critical fulcrum that challenges entrenched norms in the sports community (especially the Ukrainian one) and beyond. Her visibility is a statement against the pervasive heteronormativity in the sports environment, which often marginalizes or outright ignores queer identities. By foregrounding her sexuality in conjunction with her athletic prowess, the film creates a powerful narrative that questions and subverts traditional gender binaries and sexual norms prevalent in sports. Such representation is critical to creating a counter-narrative that empowers queer people by offering them visibility in areas from which they have historically been excluded. By candidly recounting her life, the film challenges heteronormative ideals, showing Kurkurina as a multifaceted individual whose sexual identity is an integral part of her strength and activism. Kurkurina's personality becomes particularly acute in the context of Ukraine, where LGBTQ+ rights have historically faced significant challenges. The film positions Kurkurina not only as an athlete, but also as a beacon of queer representation. By embracing her identity, she confronts societal stigma and demonstrates that strength comes in many forms. The documentary invites viewers to reflect on the intersection of identity, power and activism, suggesting that Kurkurina's queer identity is a source of strength in her fight for animal rights and social justice. Kurkurina's life is a testimony to the theory of "social embeddedness", where her activism is intertwined with participation in the life of the community, which was especially vividly manifested in her efforts to save animals during a full-scale invasion. This theme extends to how communities mobilize around shared crises, reinforcing the notion that individual actions are deeply embedded in broader social structures. Her dual role as educator and mentor further enhances her influence, transforming personal conviction into collective action. Such an approach not only emphasizes the mutual connection between man and society, but also illustrates the potential of social change based on individual activity. Kurkurina's commitment to protecting animals during war reflects a deep understanding of interdependence; her work transcends the binary opposition of "man vs. animal", illustrating a shared struggle for survival. The film emphasizes that Kurkurina's activism is not just a continuation of her sports career, but a purposeful effort to create a more compassionate society that recognizes the intrinsic value of all living beings. The film also works within a clear socio-political framework, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Exploring Kurkurina's efforts to help homeless animals and those affected by war is part of a larger narrative of resilience in the face of systemic failure. It highlights the role of grassroots activism in times of crisis, illustrating how individuals can make a meaningful contribution to the development of their communities. With her work, Kurkurina embodies the spirit of resistance, defending the interests of the most oppressed. The documentary places her personal motto within a larger narrative context of national resilience, making a poignant connection between micro-level acts of kindness and macro-level acts of defiance against oppression. This juxtaposition serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for compassion and resilience in the face of systemic violence and chaos. Feminist optics in the film "Wszystko ma życyt" are multifaceted and deeply intertwined both with the personal narrative of Anna Kurkurina and with the broader cultural context of Ukraine, which significantly contrasts with the typical feminist rhetoric of Western countries. Kurkurina's ascent in the male-dominated field of powerlifting not only challenges traditional gender roles, but also demonstrates her defiance of societal expectations, a key theme of feminist discourse. Her success in such a physically demanding sport subverts the traditional narrative of female physicality and strength, projecting a powerful image of female agency and autonomy. Western feminist rhetoric often emphasizes theoretical discourse about gender roles and systemic inequality. While these discussions are crucial, Kurkurina's brand of feminism is action-oriented, grounded in her daily experiences and challenges. Such a pragmatic approach to feminism is perhaps more resonant in the Ukrainian context, where political and social crises require a more direct, survival-oriented form of activism. Kurkurina's work, particularly her mentoring of young people with disabilities and her wartime animal rescue efforts, illuminates a feminist practice deeply rooted in community care and support—elements that are sometimes underrepresented in Western feminist frameworks that often focus on individualism and personal empowerment. Kurkurina's role as mentor and leader expands the feminist discussion of leadership and influence. Her engagement with vulnerable populations and efforts to uplift and empower them reflect a feminist ethic of care that challenges the often competitive, individualistic models of leadership celebrated in some Western contexts. This more communal and inclusive approach to empowerment is an important aspect of her feminism that resonates deeply with the ideals of intersectional feminism, which advocates for the recognition and resolution of a variety of intersecting issues that different people face. Philosophically, the film touches upon the existential themes of authenticity and the essence of being. Kurkurina's life path reflects Heidegger's desire for "authentic being", where a person actively defines himself in opposition to "they" - the anonymous norms of the social "other". Her choice to live openly and purposefully, embracing her identity and beliefs, challenges the existential notion of falling into inauthenticity under societal pressure. Additionally, her advocacy and rescue efforts resonate with Sartre's idea of ​​"radical freedom," where human actions resonate with one's inherent agency and responsibility toward others, reflecting a commitment to existentialist values ​​of freedom, choice, and responsibility. Kurkurina's story is a clarion call for understanding and action in a world that often seems full of insurmountable challenges. Presenting her life's work, the authors of the film invite viewers to think about the power of one person to inspire and create change.