It beats another rom-com...
It's reported to be the oldest profession in the world, and although it may not have a trade union, now thanks to an Open University project and Dalson's Rio Cinema, it has got it's own film festival.
This Sunday sees the first ever Sex Worker Film Festival, a one day event featuring films made by and featuring sex workers from around the world with the aim to reclaim the profession's exclusively negative image within the film industry. The festival is organized by the Sex Worker Open University Project, with co-founder Luca Darkholme explaining “our collective wants to show living, fighting, whole sex workers; representations that abandon flat, one dimensional characters and stereotypes. The choice of films focus on the diverse realities of sex workers - often very different from the classic 'victim' image. Themes include self determination, migration, identity, intimacy and the international struggle for sex workers’ rights.”
The afternoon kicks off with a light-hearted look at a Canadian's life in the industry entitled “69 Things I Love About Sex Work”, continuing with a host of thought-provoking films tacking issues like violence, victimization and human rights.
The area is no stranger to the controversy and strong feeling which surrounds the industry. Hackney council's recent decision to adopt a 'nil' policy on sex establishments, including adult shops and lap-dancing clubs, proved hugely unpopular with residents and workers and culminated in a protest outside the town hall.
Featuring on the bill is Winstan Whitter's short film 'Hands Off', which documents that recent struggle between industry and council, with dancers, venue owners and the local parish reverend all offering their thoughts.
The Sex Worker Film Festival takes place on Sunday 12th June at the Rio Cinema, 107 Kingsland Road.
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