Why do the Feminist Porn Awards exist?
As Annie Sprinkle famously said, "the answer to bad porn isn't no porn. It's more porn!" Good For Her couldn't agree more. We all know that the world is inundated with cheesy, cliche, degrading, no-budget, patronizing and stupid porn. But we also believe that erotic fantasy is powerful stuff, and that women and marginalized communities deserve to put their dreams and desires on film too. As feminists and sex-positive people, we want to showcase and honour those who are doing it right, like filmmakers who understand that people of colour are sexual beings - not sexual objects. Like performers who want to see body diversity, so they shake their ample butts in front of the camera. Like everyone who ever said "why aren't my fantasies and realities ever reflected in porn?" so they picked up a camcorder and recorded their friends getting it on.
Good For Her wants porn to be held to a higher standard. We all deserve to see artistic expressions that celebrate who we are in all our glory, and artists deserve to have there work recognized. We think these are pretty good reasons to hold the Annual Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards.
Do the Feminist Porn Awards discriminate against men?
Good gravy, no. We know that there are a lot of men who are sick of the same old boring porn being shoved down their throats like it's the only thing that exists. We love the men who appreciate a different perspective on porn, and we love the men who make porn that celebrates the ladies, and we love the men who know how to play the perfect lover, on film and real life!
What makes a movie a Feminist Porn Award winner?
In order to be considered for a Feminist Porn Award, the movie/short/website/whatever! must meet at least one of the following criteria:
1) A woman had a hand in the production, writing, direction, etc. of the work.
2) It depicts genuine female pleasure
3) It expands the boundaries of sexual representation on film and challenges stereotypes that are often found in mainstream porn.
And of course, it has to be hot!
What can I expect if I attend the Feminist Porn Awards?
On Friday, April 24th, Good For Her and some of our favorite porn makers will descend upon the Berkeley Church (315 Queen Street East) for a night of debauchery, fab entertainment and earnest acceptance speeches. On Saturday, April 25th, we'll take over the Royal Cinema at 608 College Street to screen clips from nominated films to show off the glory of well-made and sizzling films.
We don't have 2009's guests all fully confirmed, but you can expect to see some stunning people who are changing the face of porn, and you'll also find some great fun in a relaxed, celebratory environment. Also, there will probably be naked people.
I want to submit my film for the 2009. How do I do that?
Oh, we are so excited to hear that! Please mail at least 3 copies of your work on DVD by February 24, 2009 to:
FPA Nominations c/o Good For Her
175 Harbord Street
Toronto ON M5S1H3
Canada
Thanks, and see you in April!
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