Erika Lust wants to change the way you think about porn (from HungerTV)
Hi! I’m Erika, and I’m an erotic filmmaker. I have lost count of how many times I’ve presented myself like that, and I still don’t get tired of people’s reactions.
I have the best time imagining their thoughts as I see the expressions changing on their faces: “Did I hear it right? She must be kidding. She’s not? Erotic filmmaker? How can erotic filmmakers admit they are erotic filmmakers with that washed face, in bright daylight? This can’t be right; she’s trying to fool me. Should I laugh? She’s not laughing. Does she act in her films? She’s kinda hot, I guess. Still, not the type I would search on YouPorn.”
It’s been 37 seconds already and there I am, waiting for the person in front of me to assimilate the fact that I film sex for a living. And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s the fact that I proudly say it out loud. And I’ve been doing so for over ten years
My favourite thing about shooting alternative porn is that I really get to explore creativity as a filmmaker, and as a woman. A lot more, I would say, than the Hollywood industry would ever allow me to. The Hollywood industry is so dependent on sales, reach, numbers, while the only thing I have guiding my productions is the most natural, old and wonderful thing imaginable: sex. Not convinced? Close your eyes for a second and try to imagine different positions, landscapes and people you’d enjoy having sex in or with. I’m pretty sure your imagination has no limits for this. Putting aside all sorts of violence and nonconsensual acts, neither does mine.
“Every day there are more like me: female creatures behind the camera, trying to inject a bit more cunnilingus into the coitus representation system.”
No worries if you’re new to this whole alt-porn movement — I’ll try to summarise it in a few lines. First, it’s nothing like what you’re used to — seriously, nothing. Well, people fuck, but that’s about it. Second, every day there are more like me: female creatures behind the camera, trying to inject a bit more cunnilingus into the coitus representation system. Also a little less silicone boobs, and a lot less dehumanised female bodies, only present in the scene to please the ludicrous floating dick detached from a body. Third, some of us work really hard to do it ethically (so many strings attached!) And last but not least, our films are watched by people who think just like us.
This all means that the times are changing, and this is happening in all porn-related spheres. That film where the girl looks like a fake sex doll (no, I don’t mean the other way around) and wants to thank a guy for some random favour — but the only way to do so seems to be a selfless session of oral sex — got lost in time, just like its viewers. Why? Because it’s a little sexist, perhaps stupid, possibly joyless, and for some, unpleasant to watch. But also, crucially, because better things are being made.
“Close your eyes for a second and try to imagine different positions, landscapes and people you’d enjoy having sex in or with. I’m pretty sure your imagination has no limits for this.”
Off the top of my head: Tristan Taormino, Alicia Hansen and Zara Kjellner, Vex Ashley, Ovidie… And me, of course. (I’ve been here long enough to know that I should give myself some credit.) All girls. All sex-positive. All individuals who didn’t feel recognised by the way the mainstream adult industry was portraying our bodies and our needs, and so decided to speak up for ourselves, to assume that we enjoy sex, that it is a pleasant thing for us, and that — despite what the big production companies say — we know exactly where we want to go. The result is films that are a lot more realistic. A lot more fun. A lot more pleasant to watch, and a lot more relatable. I mean, who could really relate to the average YouPorn scene? This comes at the same time as people realising that sex is about quality and that if you take the joy out of it, you’re losing way too much.
Why is this suddenly a thing, anyways? Is it some sort of fashion trend, to be a porn maker? Well, things are a lot easier now. You have tons of ways to express yourself online, and a camera no longer weighs 20 pounds or costs $15,000. But that’s not all it takes. With a nice camera and a connection to the internet you can make an explicit film, that’s true, but it takes brains to make a good one. In order to change the status quo, you’ll also need a good shot of humour and the appropriate tone of voice (perhaps the one you use to create the narrative of your own life). And this is not restricted to porn.
Even SFW channels are filled with mould-breakers: Miley Cyrus has revolutionised the way we approach female sexuality, and Selena Gomez decided to debate her self-love in public. From that, I heard two things: “I’m a sexual human being”, followed by “and I’m pretty okay with that”. Which is basically what we are all trying to say when we use bodies as a form of expression. To fight the stereotypes and the sexual violence with a spotlight and good humour, and to normalise sex and to help create some sort of porn that is actually positive for those who watch it — if you want to call it sex-ed, I won’t stop you.
Originally published at www.hungertv.com on April 27, 2016.
