From over 200 films where SEX! is the focus, we have selected our program. The 12 films represent a wide variety of countries, eras and people. They deal with crackling chemistry, awkward moments, power play, gender roles, sexuality, intimacy and repulsive lewdness. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Scarlett Empress bring us sex symbols from classic Hollywood, starring Marilyn Monroe and Marlene Dietrich. Likewise, there were already lumberjack womanizers in Laulu Tulipunaisesta Kukasta. The New Wave films Le Genou de Claire and L’homme Qui Aimait Les Femmes make comparisons of gender roles and positions in society. Sex is also treated in the context of society in the documentary film: Pasolini interviews the Italian population in Comizi D’amore. Whereas W.R.: Mysteries Of The Organism is a quasi-documentary about sex under communism. Death in Venice harbors the desire, lust and longing for a person that the protagonists cannot have. From 1982 comes Liquid Sky with Sex, Drugs and an Alien Invasion with a self-determined but violent display of oppressive sexual freedom. The latest films in the cycle blur the lines between film and pornography. The Wayward Cloud is set in the porn industry and Love does not simulate a single sexual act. The aesthetics, the expectations and the possibilities of the techniques and censorship have changed throughout the history of film. Those who allow themselves to look at the films in a nuanced way can see behind the apparent superficiality and recognize the deep humanity.

So I’m looking forward to seeing you in the cinema and as Kubrick already said in Eyes Wide Shut: «There is something very important we need to do as soon as possible…. FUCK!»

Bonne Projection!
Elizabeth Agethen

Many of the films contain explicit scenes of abuse and violence. Viewers are asked to pay attention to content references. If you have any questions, you can send an email to programm@filmstelle.ch.