“Let’s revolutionize the porn industry!”
The Feminist Porn Film Award will be presented for the very first time 17. October 2009 in Berlin. – Interview with Laura Méritt, sexpert, owner of Sexclusivitaeten and organizer of the award.
A feminist porn movie award – what are the aims and what is feminist porn actually?
We want to revolutionize the traditional porn industry and show that female-oriented porn exists: with the sexual pleasure of women at the centre and with many forms of sexual activity and also with women in the lead role – both behind and in front of the camera.
What is porn good for and why would women need porn?
We see pornography or the sexual imagination as an important life source. We see it as an inspiration, to be regarded as an integral part of life. Quality of life means satisfaction and sexual desire closely relates to satisfaction. That is why we are convinced that sex phantasies and sexual images should be made visible, also pornographical ones. Until recently women’s lust has not been given due space. We want more of it!
Are you talking about a market that you want to create or is there already a clientele for such films?
The clientele exists, I know that for a fact due to my home-shop with sextoys and accessories, Sexclusivitaeten. As from the 1970s the women’s movement acknowledges alternative sexualities, not in the least in response to mainstream pornography. A lot of work has been done – as we will see at the award ceremony. Over the past few years it has become absolutely clear that more and more women want to watch porn, but not the standard products. Believe me, there is a large market out there with eager female consumers …
So you believe that the new award will transform the porn market in the long run?
I am convinced of it. The market for sex toys has been transformed already, and now the last bastion will also tumble. We have introduced real quality, healthy materials, a new aesthetic and of course fair trade and working conditions. Even the traditional producers offer a special women’s line. That’s exactly what we want to see happen on the porn market. To ensure this, we have developed a seal of approval for film productions based on feminist criteria. The consumer, fe/male and all others, can thus before buying make a clear choice between trad porn and new quality porn.
What are some feminist criteria for porn?
A feminist minimal demand is that female pleasure has at least equal weight, in contrast to the usual approach with women as the facilitators for the grand finale, The Male Orgasm. We insist on a whole range of sexual practices to be shown, that different age groups be present, other ethnicities, non-conformist bodies and various life styles. Apart from a large stylistic variety, we want to do away with worn-out clichees. Equally important is that women participate in the entire process of film making – that is, appear not just as an actress, but also with script writing and camera, in directing and producing.
Isn’t it ultimately also about participation of women in a market with a turnover of billions Euros, dollars and so on?
Sure. But fact is that the production cost for the better porn movie, in accordance with our criteria including good set conditions, is much higher. Thus, the usual profit rate of 300 % and more will be a thing of the past. The porn film of the future won’t be quite as profitable, but standards will be much higher.
Are consumers (f/m et al.) prepared, say, in analogy with biologically approved meat (!), to pay more for quality products?
I know it for a fact. I have seen the same happen with the sex toy industry.
The list of nominees as well as the jury for the First Feminist Porn Movie Award sounds like a Who is Who of the sex-affirmative women’s movement. Please tell us, who is coming to Berlin in October?
We are thrilled to be able to welcome Candida Royalle. As the grande dame of erotic films she will be honoured for her life work. She has been at it for twenty years, has made witty and intelligent porn. A sexpert who shows feelings in her movies, all kinds of sexual practices, different kinds of skin and bodies. Further, Maria Beatty from Paris. She created an entirely new genre, the highly artistic Film Érotique Noir. We have invited Annie Sprinkle and hope she will be able to attend. She is another VIP in the movement. A true porn queen, active both in front of and behind the camera. She has inspired the developments in Europa with her ideas, sexual teachings and live shows. Other nominated guests I’ll keep as a surprise …
OK, we’ll hold out till the ceremony of the first Feminist Porn Film Award in October … How has the response been so far and what will the festivities be like?
The response is extremely good. There is great deal of enthusiasm about our job of making a fresh wind to blow through the porn industry. The award will be presented at the Hackische Höfe in the historical centre of Berlin – by no means in some hide-away off-cinema. On the evening itself we’ll show excerpts of the award winning films, interview some of the makers and of course present each award with appropriate ado. This will be followed by a party at the location, Homebase. A wonderful place with a tradition of live acts where we show another set of award winning film excerpts. Party guests can meet the winners, can talk, can dance. The people running these locations are sincerely interested in our project and have become advertising partners. All in all, it’s a fucking great framework for promoting change in the porn industry.
My last question:symbol for the award and seal of approval is the oyster. Why the oyster?
Why? Hey, the oyster is t h e symbol of female sexuality! It’s an aphrodisiac. It has all essential nourishment ingredients - super good for all of us.
- Interview by Susann Kaiser
