Bodies On Display looks at porn’s educational potential
386 PONCE’s screening event focuses on consent, culture, education
In an article for Bitch Magazine, The Dramatic History of Sex-Ed Films, writer Sarah Mirk makes a curious observation: In the U.S., sex-ed and film are linked tight, but most students today learn about sex through online media ... and not all of it educational. Personal opinions aside, porn’s now being used as one part titillation, one part education — even if folks don’t like to admit it.
Local filmmaker Joey Molina wants to get us talking, throwing sex into the spotlight as he brings the Bodies On Display screening series back to 368 PONCE. The personal project, born last year from Molina’s interest in the overlap between porn and horror films, first discussed the interplay of sex and the things that scare us. This year, it asks something new: what can people learn from watching porn?
“There’s this age-old conversation on the idea of porn vs. art,” Molina says. ”What I’m aiming to do with the festival is view these images as art, and ask, ‘What is it saying about bodies, sexuality, voyeurism, exhibitionism, and all that?’”
Also inspired by the NYC Porn Film Festival, this year Bodies On Display screens a selection of short films from the event, in addition to relevant documentaries, art films, and the classic Deep Throat.
Though many might consider porn — and sex for pleasure — as negative and immoral, particularly in wake of GOP condemnations earlier this month, Bodies On Display is a net benefit. Pornography might be vilified, but watching it is normal. That’s exactly why it’s important to discuss it openly: better to consider and teach the differences between sex in reality and sex on the screen than pretend the latter isn’t there. Efforts like Molina’s dismantle silence, opening the floor for conversations on safety, consent, and education. Watching porn in a public forum allows us to explore the way we view and present sex and sexuality as a culture. It creates talking points about the images presented and how those images can affect viewers. It provides a chance to learn and develop new ideas.
“Part of my wanting to have this event is wanting to hear other people’s opinions on it,” Molina says. “I think that art is political, and I see some of this porn being political.”
The event is built around this concept of sharing ideas, opening with a roundtable discussion on consent in queer spaces and providing discussion breaks between films. Special presentation Community Action Center exemplifies that. The art film is an intense collage of scenes showcasing aspects of sexuality and kink, and how we navigate them. It forces viewers to confront ideas and concepts that, despite their proliferation (and the scores who enjoy them safely), may seem offensive or dangerous.
There’s a long way to go before Georgia teaches adequate sex-ed, but in the meanwhile, events like Bodies On Display help us move forward. If communities can talk about porn and recognize its impacts, they can figure out the best way to use it. Porn just might emerge as new a teaching tool, if people aren’t afraid to watch.