‘What our girls and boys are made of’ is one of the most recognizable and loved songs from Russian childhood. A cultural milestone that every Russian boy and girl learn when they are young, and a song with verses that describe girls as made of “flowers”, “gossip” and “marmalade”, while boys are made of things like “energy batteries” and “fireworks”.

Challenging these subtle, but outdated notions of gender roles, the film rewrites the lyrics of this classic Russian song.

In the film, a young girl is shown singing the traditional verses of the song. However, upon seeing some of Russia’s most accomplished athletes, the girl changes the lyrics to include a more inspirational message. 

Because Russian girls are made of more than just flowers and marmalade – they are “Made of strength; And of bravery. Made of freedom. And of achievements. They are made of what they do.”

The film is based on one of the most popular songs from Russian childhood. The original “What our girls and boys are made of” song is a cultural milestone that every Russian boy and girl learn when they are young. The song describes girls as made of “flowers”, “gossip” and “marmalade”, while boys are made of things like “energy batteries” and “fireworks”. The composition is still included in the program of many Russian schools.

Challenging these subtle, but outdated notions of gender roles, we rewrote the lyrics of this classic Russian song.

In the film, a young girl is shown singing the traditional verses of the song. However, upon seeing some of Russia’s most accomplished athletes, the girl changes the lyrics. 

Because girls are made of more than just flowers and marmalade – they are made of what they do.