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MADE FOR FREEDOM is a film about people who left Russia in search of the dream of freedom.

Through memories of their lives in Russia, their first steps in the U.S., and the creation of the OURS community, the film tells a story of how personal pain can transform into a unifying force for others.
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ABOUT THE PROJECT
This inspiring documentary shares the stories of LGBTQ+ migrants from post-Soviet countries who left their homes for the right to be themselves. Facing discrimination, threats, and isolation in their homelands, they moved to the United States in search of freedom and safety.

Through candid interviews, archival footage, and real-life scenes, the film reveals the power of solidarity, love, and courage. These are not just stories of migration — they are a universal portrait of the human pursuit of freedom, reminding us that behind every flag is a person with a dream.
NEWS
We share behind-the-scenes moments, updates, and steps toward the film’s release. Join us.
MADE FOR FREEDOM: Launch of Filming for the First Major Project by OURS IN THE USA
On April 14, filming began in Los Angeles for the documentary MADE FOR FREEDOM — a story about a transgender woman who left Russia in search of freedom and the right to be herself.
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A Voice of New Life: Day Two of Filming MADE FOR FREEDOM
On April 27, the MADE FOR FREEDOM film crew recorded an interview with Kristina — a featured participant who openly shared her story of moving to the U.S., fighting for her freedom, and trying to save her family.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
We’re creating this film and growing the OURS IN THE USA community thanks to the efforts of our members and allies. Every bit of support matters and makes a real impact.
Here’s how you can help right now
  • Make a Donation
    The film is being created by the community itself. Your financial support helps cover production costs, editing, equipment rentals, and support for new members of OURS IN THE USA. Even a small contribution is a step toward visibility and freedom.
  • Spread the Word
    Tell your friends about the film, post on social media, and share the link to our website. The more people who hear about this project, the louder the voice of the Russian-speaking LGBTQ+ community in the U.S. will become.
  • Become a Volunteer
    You can support the project with your time and talent — by helping on set, with editing, translations, event coordination, or assisting new members. We’d be happy to welcome you to our team. Just reach out to us using the contact information below.
  • Become a Partner
    If you represent a media outlet, foundation, human rights, or cultural organization — join us. We’re open to collaboration, and together we can create more than we ever could alone.
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Our Team
Meet the people behind MADE FOR FREEDOM — their stories are the foundation of the film, and their experiences are its heart.
  • Ivanka Osina-Fridman
    Director, Screenwriter, Creative Producer
    Director, screenwriter, and creative producer of Made for Freedom, she is also a director, actress, and a member of the Board of Directors at OURS in the USA. Originally from Ukraine, she has worked in the film industry for over 20 years. Based in Los Angeles, she is currently studying directing at Los Angeles City College and actively pursuing her career in American cinema.
  • Kirill Surnachev
    Concept Creator, Screenwriter, Interviewer
    Human rights advocate, Vice President, and co-founder of OURS IN THE USA. He supports and defends the rights of Russian-speaking LGBTQI+ migrants and coordinates informational, educational, and media initiatives. Kirill’s work focuses on visibility, safety, and self-identification within vulnerable communities, while actively developing international partnerships in the fields of human rights and migration.
  • Dmitrii Tur
    Production Manager
    President and co-founder of the nonprofit organization OURS IN THE USA, and production manager of the documentary project Made for Freedom. He is an expert on the rights of LGBTQI+ migrants from the post-Soviet region. He provides strategic and organizational leadership for the organization, coordinating media projects and human rights initiatives aimed at protecting and supporting the LGBTQI+ community in the United States.
  • Dmitrii Krivaksin
    Screenwriter, Director of Photography, Creative Producer
    Independent filmmaker, cinematographer, screenwriter, and producer.
  • Anton Erokhin
    2nd Camera Operator, Gaffer, BTS & Interview Videographer
    Visual artist and cinematographer, building a path toward directing by exploring the edges of framing and light.
  • Polina Rosh
    Line Producer
    Event and film producer, creative community manager.
  • Eva Meelash
    Sound Mixer, Music Artist
    DJ and sound producer with extensive international experience performing at top venues around the world. Since 2023, a resident artist with the label Cafe De Anatolia.
  • Denis Galstian
    Makeup Artist, Wardrobe Stylist
    Hair stylist, graduate of the international academy “Dolores” and award winner in hairdressing competitions. He has extensive experience in color correction and complex hair transformations. Member of the organization OURS in the USA.
  • Misha Rosada
    Art Director, Graphic Designer
    Architect and designer with an interdisciplinary focus. A graduate of the Moscow Architectural Institute, he has participated in exhibition and museum projects in Russia and abroad. His practice combines a research-based approach with the visual formalization of complex ideas. He collaborates with OURS in the USA as a creative director, continuing to explore the social and cultural contexts of visual communication.
  • Lina Kirichenko
    Camera Assistant (Clapper Loader)
    Camera Assistant (Clapper Loader) for the film Made for Freedom and assistant to the Vice President of OURS IN THE USA. Involved in both the filming process and administrative support for the project.
  • Maksim Pshenichnikov
    Film Translator
    Translator of the documentary Made for Freedom and assistant to President of OURS IN THE USA. Responsible for translating interviews, subtitles, and key materials to make the project accessible to an international audience. Also contributes to the preparation of public and informational content for the project.
By submitting this form, you agree to receive emails and newsletters from OURS IN THE USA, including updates on the Made for Freedom project, events, campaigns, and our news.
Contact:
MadeForFreedom@oursintheusa.org
We’re on social media: find us using the hashtag #MadeForFreedom
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