According to a press release, the feminist art collective known as Pussy Riot is having their escapades adapted to the big screen. STX Entertainment is going to capture a limited series adaptation based on a memoir written by the leader of the group named Nadya Tolokonnikova. The announcement was made by Noah Fogelson, the chief executive producer of STX Entertainment.
The press release stated that this will be the first scripted show that showcases Pussy Riot and has the full support of Nadya Tolokonnikova. Other previous projects include documentaries titled Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer and Pussy Versus Putin.
The press release also explained the premise of the show, saying it will explore “the story of how a young girl from Siberia took on the world’s most powerful dictator – the origins and formation of the art collective; the actions of Nadya and fellow young women against Putin in Moscow; their arrest after the famous “Punk Prayer” action; their trial, conviction, and jail sentence; and the protests they conducted at the Sochi Olympics after their release.”
When addressing the show and her controversy, Tolokonnikova said “I was a broke 20-year-old artist studying philosophy, he was one of the most powerful, wealthy and dangerous men on Earth. In 2011 I went against him, damn the consequences. After years of imprisonment, harassment, attacks, trauma I am ready to share this story. My dream is to see my country peaceful, democratic and diverse, where gay people are not being stoned to death. Is it too much to ask? Does it make me an extremist? Today I’m on Russia’s most wanted list, labeled as a foreign agent, and recently was arrested in absentia by Russian court. My relatives and friends had been poisoned, my government wants me dead, but I don’t regret anything. If Pussy Riot’s story can inspire a new generation of rebels, it was all not in vain.”
Pussy Riot has experienced controversy in the past, such as storming the field during the World Cup in an act of protest against the russian government, according to a prvious MXDWN article. The band also faced prison sentances in Siberia, according to a different article. They have also protested in Moscow which led to another arrest, says this article.
The band has als had a history of releasing controversial music, such as Bad Trip, says this article written by MXDWN. Tolokonnikova also has been placed on Russia’s wanted list, revealed this article.
Photo credit: Brett Padelford