University News Last updated 03 February 2020
Inclusivity and sex positivity will take centre stage at a feminist erotic film festival coming to 探花直播 this month, developed by researchers at 探花直播.
Taking place on the 14 and 15 February at Centrala in Digbeth, the event, titled Bean Flicks will feature screenings of feminist, queer and kink-positive porn shorts from independent filmmakers.
The inaugural film festival is centred around the theme of ethics and desires, bringing together sex and porn researchers, performers, directors, and activists over two days, and culminating in a wrap party: 鈥楤est Slumber Party Ever!鈥�
The event has been developed to help address taboos and misconceptions around women鈥檚 sexuality, health, body image and relationships.
- The line-up includes:Mat Fraser, renowned disabled actor and activist, who tackles taboos around disability and sexuality
- Vex Ashley, performer and director at Four Chambers, an art collective exploring what sex on film can say
- 鈥楤rown Girls Do It鈥�, who will address diversity and inclusivity in relationships and sex education
- Films from award winning directors including Erica Lust, Max Disgrace and S. Shanahoy.
Described as a 鈥榝eminist, queer, and kink-positive ethical porn festival鈥�, it is organised by Dr Annalise Weckesser, Dr Keeley Abbott and Dr Gemma Commane, researchers in health, psychology and media at 探花直播.听
Bean Flicks is the brainchild of 鈥楾he VQ鈥�, short for vagina quotient, a reference to increasing women鈥檚 sexual health. The VQ tackles stigma that surround women鈥檚 health, sex and pleasure.
Bean Flicks first ran as a pilot in 2018, reflecting on the festival, Dr Gemma Commane said: 鈥淭he audience feedback was fantastic.
鈥淧eople told us they wanted more events like this - more talks and more screenings, so we are delighted to be bringing Bean Flicks back this year as a bigger and better two-day festival.鈥�
Bean Flicks: Ethics & Desires has been made possible with support from Film Hub Midlands through funds from the National Lottery. Film Hub Midlands support people to watch, show, and make films in the Midlands.
Visit Eventbrite to view the听full Bean Flicks programme and . The VQ on Facebook at @VQ探花直播 and on Twitter at @VQ_探花直播.