Hi, I’m Anna, a documentary director with a passion for social issues and LGBTQ+ stories. Over the past four years, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to develop the YouTube channel “Straight talk with gay people by Karen Shainyan.” It’s been an incredible journey to create a space where we can talk openly about LGBTQ+ life in Russia. I’m proud to say we’ve connected with over 200,000 subscribers and have had some really eye-opening conversations with some inspiring people along the way.

Projects

Queerography

Anna broadened her impact with “Queerography” youtube (English subtitles) the first documentary series dedicated to the queer community’s experience across Russia: thousands of kilometres from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. The series sheds light on the queer life amidst legal and societal challenges.

Skazhi Gordeevoi (Tell Gordeeva)

Collaborating with Katerina Gordeeva youtube, Anna co-created the project “Skazhi Gordeevoi” for Russian independent media outlet Meduza.io. Serving as the director and DOP, Anna has been producing the very first 20 episodes that delve into a variety of compelling stories and voices forming the concept that has been thriving till today.

Highlights

• “Родитель 1, Родитель 2, Родитель 3” (Parent 1, Parent 2, Parent 3) is a groundbreaking documentary series that explores the lives of children in queer families, featuring four diverse family stories and illustrating their challenges and joy in finding happiness amidst adversities. 1 season, 4 episodes, OstWest
• Yekaterinburg, Queerography series. The film showcases the vibrant lives of Yekaterinburg’s residents, from trans-activists to war veterans turned drag queens, as they navigate family, acceptance, and the right to love in a city renowned for its economic significance and cultural milestones like hosting Russia’s first gay pride parades. 49m, youtube (English subtitles)
• Elena Kostyuchenko, special correspondent for Novaya Gazeta about her work in the war in Ukraine, the environmental disaster in Norilsk, and also about how to live and love in Russia if you are a lesbian. 1h48m, youtube (English subtitles)
• The investigative video delves into the harrowing plight of LGBTQ+ people in Chechnya, unearthing the stark realities behind international sanctions and societal perceptions within the Russian context. 1h09m, youtube (English subtitles)
• Billy Porter, The Kinky Boots and Pose actor, speaks about Trump, bullying, winning the red carpet game and his war on gender stereotypes. 1h03m, youtube
• Interviews with queer influencers: watch here
• Sci-fi series on queerness: explore the series
• Other “Skazhi Gordeevoi” episodes: Meduza project

My work is all about giving a voice to queer stories and tackling some pretty tough social and political topics head-on. I’m all in when it comes to being real, sharing true stories, and shining a light on communities that often go unseen.

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