Few Brief Comments on Elie Grappe’s film, “OLGA”
John Bennison, Mountain Shadow Director

“This above all: to thine own self be true.”
William Shakespeare, Hamlet

The Swiss psychoanalyst, Carl Jung, spoke of the ‘self’ as an archetype; representing the unified consciousness and unconsciousness of the individual. Often depicted as a circle, or mandala, Jung described the creative process of individuation and self-integration from outside forces and self-discovery.

So it is that Olga, the protagonist in Elie Grappe’s cinematic drama, undertakes the archetypal journey. Traveling from her home in Ukraine to train in Switzerland, she undertakes a journey to discover her true self; before returning home again and offer that ‘self’ to others. It’s a battle between her conscience and self-ambition, reflective of the conflict raging in Kiev. Fittingly, the 2014 Euro-Maidan revolution there was also known as the Revolution of Dignity (Революція гідності).

Notably, while the film is a fictional tale, it is set in historical context with documentary footage. Moreover, the leading role is played by the talented gymnast herself. There is no stunt double on the bars. As with any good drama, the storyline can be fictional, while nonetheless remaining authentic and true. jb