Oksana and Bob

The documentary addresses the emotional and psychological cost of activism, and specifically confronts the question of why some people literally put their lives on the line for what they believe, while most of us just talk about social justice but don’t actually do anything. Through Oksana’s journey, it explores the genesis of true courage and activism. and the personal toll of living a life of resistance.

The documentary also tackles themes of fear and self-protection, and the internal barriers that prevent people from acting on their beliefs. It highlights the importance of activism, especially in a world that can be indifferent to social change, and ask us to confront the personal fears that prevent us from contributing meaningfully to the world. Additionally, the documentary brings attention to the emotional challenges faced by those in activism, encouraging conversations about resilience and support in social justice work.

Through “Oksana and Bob,” we seek to inspire viewers to reflect on their own ability to enact change, no matter their background or past inaction. Our impact vision is to spark self reflection and inspire action. By showcasing Oksana’s activism and Bob’s transformation, we aim to encourage viewers to confront their fears, and recognise that they each have the choice to personally commit to fighting for social justice. Through Oksana’s story, we want to amplify the voices of activists who often bear the emotional and psychological toll of their work.

We hope the film serves as a call to action, motivating individuals to step out of passive observation and self-serving rhetoric, and actively contribute to the causes they believe in. By highlighting the intersection of art and activism, we want to inspire young creatives and activists to understand the power they hold to change the world, encouraging them to use their voices for social change.

We hope to inspire audiences to reflect on their own role in societal change and the importance of personal courage in activism. Our goal is to drive social impact through education, emotional resonance, and personal empowerment. We aim to raise awareness about the emotional costs of activism and the psychological toll that radical acts of resistance can take on individuals. Through Bob’s personal journey and Oksana’s story, we hope to inspire viewers to reflect on their own potential for change and how they can contribute to social justice movements.

We seek to foster deeper empathy for those who have dedicated their lives to activism and provide support for those navigating the emotional challenges of such work. Ultimately, we want to empower viewers, particularly young people and especially young women, to be step forward and engage with the world’s most pressing issues, knowing that personal transformation, the choice to act, and societal change are deeply intertwined.

Bob, and The Parenting Centre, are well known through the Sunshine Coast (Queensland) for their verbal commitment to social change. “Dr, Bob” is the author of two books: Perfect Parents, Perfect Children (now in its 4th printing) and The Human Spectrum. Both books highlight the need for inclusion, and how changing the way we parent might someday truly change the world. Dr. Bob is proud to be a recognized ally of the LBGTIQA+ community. In 2020, he established the Oksana Shachko Centre of Art for Social Justice, and although it has not evolved beyond an active social media presence, he developed meaningful relationships with the arts community in the Sunshine Coast (including the Hinterlands).

Dr. Bob has liaised extensively with the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) as well as medical professionals, educators, and “thought leaders” in the community. He has been active in advocating for educational reform and the establishment of an alternative school in Maleny, QLD.

Oksana and Bob essentially IS a call to action, it confronts audiences who believe in equality and social justice to confront their own choices/commitment. Oksana’s life, seen through Bob’s journey, encourages individuals to challenge their fears and recognise that courage is not the absence of fear but acting in spite of it. The film advocates for understanding the difficult emotional decision to act and calls for the support of friends, families and professionals. It’s specifically a call to action for young people, inspiring them through the story of a very religious, traditional, sheltered little Ukrainian girl, and how she grew to be a powerful feminist and activist whose voice is still heard loudly today, 7 years after her death. Finally, it is a call to action for creatives to recognise, as Oksana did, the power of their art to contribute to building a more just and compassionate world.