Who is Michele Ohayon? Meet Oscar-nominated director of 'Strip Down, Rise Up', the Netflix docu on pole dancing
Netflix’s much-awaited documentary film ‘Strip Down, Rise Up’ is all set to drop on February 5, 2021. The powerful movie features women of various ages and diverse ethnicities, as they navigate out of their struggles with trauma and body shaming, through the artistry of sensual pole dancing. The Netflix description of the upcoming film reads: “In an effort to reclaim their bodies and lives, a group of women explore the intersections of movement and meaning in a powerful pole dancing program.
The documentary is expected to inspire women across the world who are battling silently with body shaming issues. Before we prepare to embark on this beautiful and intimate journey, let us know a little bit about the Academy Award-nominated creator Michele Ohayon.
Rise to prominence
Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Ohayon was raised in Israel. She served in the Israel Defense Forces and later pursued a graduate degree in Film and Television from Tel Aviv University.
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She describes herself to be entrusted with the mission of bridging the gap between Hollywood and the rest of the world. One of her first drama films was ‘Pressure’, which released in 1984 and vividly portrayed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She won the Israeli Best Film Award for it. She moved to Los Angeles in 1987 and continued making films.
Her career has predominantly revolved around documentary film-making and she has created some of the most stirring documentaries with powerful messages like ‘Colors Straight Up’ and ‘It was A Wonderful Life’. The documentary ‘Colors Straight Up’ earned her a nomination for the Academy Award. It was also nominated for Directors Guild of America and Spirt Awards, besides winning 13 national awards.
Her film ‘Cowboy del Amor’ won both Jury and Audience awards at the SXSW Festival, besides winning at different film festivals. Her feature documentary ‘Steal A Pencil For Me’ was screened at the United Nations and won different awards.
Creating waves in Hollywood
In Hollywood, she made the tribute film for Angelina Jolie's Governor’s Award, for the Academy of Motion Pictures in 2013 which was narrated by Morgan Freeman. In addition, she also made the tribute film for Jean-Claude Carriere's Governor’s award the following year.
As a part of her mission to connect Hollywood with the world, she moderated the ‘Hollywood Inside and Out’ segment at the 2014 Sarajevo Film Festival. She has also appeared on juries and speaker panels at film festivals around the world. She serves as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, as well as WGA, DGA, and IDA. Ohayon has also been associated with screenplays developed by top Hollywood studios like MGM, FOCUS FILMS, and STARZ.
Personal life of Ohayon
A staunch advocate of women empowerment, Ohayon is also one of the leading founders of Cinewomen. She launched her own production company - Kavana Entertainment in Los Angeles, which offers consultation and production services to filmmakers from all over the world.
Her film ‘Cristina’ featured her close friend, who was battling cancer. Upon her friend’s earnest request, Ohayon filmed her dying days and supported her throughout on her deathbed.
