FILMFESTIVAL

This is hardcore

21. Okt. 2014
"Untitled (Sex Studies)" with Dwayne Strike & Tchivett © Alexa Vachon

Perhaps the most radical aspect of Berlin's annual Porn Film Festival affair is how it adopts a “show, don't tell” policy in showcasing queer and feminist content. It's not explicitly “queer” or “feminist” in name, but the program has more than its fair share of depictions of LGBT sex, and roughly half the directors are women. By not pigeonholing itself, the five-day affair becomes a celebration of the infinite variation of human sexuality.

Filmmakers like Courtney Trouble (a PFF regular) and Goodyn Green shatter the stereotypical notion that women aren't visually driven when it comes to sex. Trouble's Fucking Mystic and Green's Shutter both reflect the adventurous spirit of their respective home bases – San Francisco and Berlin – and both are making their world premieres here.

The official SIEGESSÄULE selection is Sophie Hyde's 52 Tuesdays, an Australian drama that premiered at Sundance and won the Crystal Bear award at the Berlinale at the beginning of the year. It follows the story of 16-year-old Billie and her mother, who decides to transition into a man, limiting the time they can spend together to just once per week over the course of a year.

The opening and closing films always carry an extra air of prestige. Setting the tone on Wednesday is Japanese feature film R100, which made its debut at last year's TIFF. It tells the bizarre but humorous story of a Japanese executive and his misadventures in a BDSM club filled with leather- and latex-clad dommes. Bringing the festival to an end on Sunday night will be The Foxy Merkins, a sort of buddy comedy about an experienced sex worker and her plus-sized lesbian protégé.

Another highlight is Fucking Different XXY, the sixth entry in Kristian Peterson's series. That's not a roman numeral; it refers to the fact that all directors of the eight different scenes are trans*-identified, all portraying something foreign to their own concept of gender. Berliner figures on both sides of the camera include Sadie Lune, Prinzessin Hans, J. Jackie Baier and Jasco Viefhues.

Many films engage with certain fringe subjects, such as 69: Love Sex Senior, which confronts ageism. Sexy Money profiles the marginalized lives of Nigerian sex workers. Pulsion depicts a woman trying to deal with persistent genital arousal syndrome, whereas the lead in Diet of Sex struggles with anhedonia, preventing her from enjoying pleasure.

Although most of the films are new and recent, the festival also takes the opportunity to dig up older gems. The autobiographical Inside Jennifer Welles (1977) stars the titular porn star, while New York City Inferno (1978) shows a French man cruising through the city in search of a lost lover, and the retrospective on Jean Daniel Cadinot gathers seven of the gay French director's works from the 80s.

And that's just a few of the screenings. The itinerary also includes discussions, workshops and of course Saturday night's big party. Taking place this year at Loftus Hall, it features Brazilian boylesque performer Marcelo d'Avilla, Norwegian pin-up band the Hungry Hearts and DJs such as Walter Crasshole, jury member and SIEGESSÄULE columnist. And throughout the PFF, the Moviemento foyer will hold a solo exhibition from Berlin based photographer Alexa Vachon. Pictured above: “Untitled (Sex Studies)” with Dwayne Strike & Tchivett.

Check the Porn Film Festival website for a complete program and additional info.

Joey Hansom

http://pornfilmfestivalberlin.de

Porn Film Festival, Oct. 22–26 at Moviemento

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