Ukrainian singer iSKra, in an interview with the entertainment project Styler (RBC-Ukraine), shared a personal selection of films united by a single theme: female inner strength, the right to be oneself, and the ability to achieve goals despite prejudice and injustice. The artist's list includes a cult drama about the fashion world, the story of women who worked at NASA, a comedy about a law student, two musicals, and a series about the Empress of Austria-Hungary. According to iSKra, all these stories reflect her own path in one way or another: she is developing a music career while simultaneously working as an ENT intern, combining multiple fields without conforming to external expectations of who a person should be.
The Right to Be Yourself: The Common Thread
What unites all the mentioned films, according to the artist, is the idea that a woman has the right to preserve her own identity even within a system of rigid rules and expectations. iSKra emphasizes that in a world traditionally dominated by men in leadership positions, her heroines had to change to reach the top while still refusing to compromise their own principles. "For me, this film is about how important it is not to lose yourself on the path to success," the singer explains, speaking of the drama that became one of her main guideposts. This very idea—balancing ambition with staying true to oneself—runs like a red thread through her entire selection.
'The Devil Wears Prada': The Path to the Top and the Price of a Career
First on iSKra's list is the cult drama about the fashion magazine Runway and its uncompromising editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly. The artist admits she is ready to revisit this film several times a year and observes with interest why Priestly is so tough. She remembers most the moment when the protagonist Andy realizes she is starting to compromise her principles for the sake of her career. Notably, a sequel to this story, 'The Devil Wears Prada 2', premiered in 2026, which once again brought public attention back to the 2006 original and the theme of a heroine's internal transformation in the fashion world.
'Hidden Figures' and 'Legally Blonde': When Knowledge Overcomes Prejudice
Next in the selection is the story of three African American women who worked at NASA and overcame discrimination to realize their professional potential. iSKra says she watched this film in one sitting and was amazed: despite all obstacles, the heroines earned recognition through knowledge, talent, and persistence. "The film proves that a woman is capable of achieving anything she wants, even when forced to confront prejudice," the singer notes. She speaks in the same vein about the comedy featuring law student Elle Woods, which, she says, shatters the stereotype that appearance determines intelligence. "A love for fashion and the color pink coexists quite well with inner strength and professionalism," iSKra explains, admitting that she recognizes herself in this character.
Musicals About Dreams and the Injustices of Creative Professions
A special place in the list is occupied by two musicals. The first is the story of a girl who moves to the big city with a dream of singing and is forced to work as a waitress in a club on the verge of closing until her talent and charisma take over. "As an artist, this story inspires me. It teaches you to clearly define your goal and pursue your dream, even if all doors are initially closed to you," iSKra says. The second musical is valued by her primarily for its music and vocal performances, featuring a female trio from Chicago conquering New York while a producer pushes talented Effie into the background in favor of a more attractive participant. "In a creative profession, everything does not always depend solely on talent. You often have to face injustice, manipulation, and disappointment," the artist shares, adding that it is important not to give up on your craft because of someone else's decisions.
Sisi, 'Cold Princess', and the 2026 Context
Concluding the selection is a series about Empress Sisi of Austria-Hungary, who, according to iSKra, broke the bounds of court behavior for women: she ran, exercised, occasionally escaped from the palace, and stood up for her own desires, all while secretly studying the Hungarian language and culture to bring Austria and Hungary closer together. "Her example shows how to maintain your true self within a system of rigid rules while still finding a way to the hearts of your subjects," the singer summarizes. At the time of publishing this selection, iSKra is preparing to release a new song titled 'Cold Princess', and the selection itself serves as a reminder that one can stay true to oneself and combine multiple favorite pursuits without choosing just one.
