Inspired by thriving festivals in other European capitals and the success of its two previous editions, the Brussels Porn Film Festival (BxlPFF) is returning to independent cinemas in the Belgian capital next month to offer "a window into contemporary alternative pornography."
From 2 to 5 May, the festival will aim to enable interested viewers discover a film genre "that is too often relegated to obscenity." In this edition, spectators will be able to discover more than 50 sexually-explicit films in various forms, ranging from experimental, poetic and raw to activist and documentary-style.
"Alternative pornographies strive to offer representations and nurture fantasies far removed from any form of oppression, sexism, misogyny, ableism, transphobia, classism, racism or fat-shaming," the organisers stated in a press release.
This edition will present seven screenings of short films from all over the world in the international competition, as well as one screening in the national competition highlighting the creativity of Belgian production.
Q&As and workshops
The festival emphasises that the representation of pleasure should not be shameful and taboo. Rather, it underlines that it is necessary to provide spaces for dialogue and collective visualisation needed to generate change "in the face of content that is often too normative, from a feminist, queer or postcolonial perspective."
The films selected highlight the agency of individuals, directors, actors and sex workers who create their own cinematic narratives, and portray their own experiences, trajectories and desires, with humour and poetry, sensuality and dreaminess.
Q&A sessions will be organised after the screenings with the presence of the directors, allowing for a better understanding of the films.
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As part of the festival, 16 stands will also open at the Beursschouwburg where people can buy textiles, harnesses or lingerie, jewellery and even erotic ceramics. Other activities, such as an open mic and workshops – from screenwriting to making lubricant at home – will also be organised.
"As it is sometimes claimed that these feminist, alternative or queer forms of pornography are just the proverbial tree concealing the forest of a masculinist industry, let's plant more new seeds and together uproot patriarchy, colonialism and heteronormative thinking," the organisers concluded.
The festival will take place from 2 to 5 May at Cinema Nova and Cinema Aventure and the Beursschouwburg, for people aged 18 and over. For more information, see here.
