Beursschouwburg shakes up Valentine's Day with the return of My Porny Valentine
After a year's absence, My Porny Valentine is back in response to the commercial celebration of love.
On 14 February, the Beursschouwburg will be organising its fifth edition of an evening dedicated to pleasure and sensuality. The focus is on queer porn that not only stimulates the senses, but also transgresses the boundaries of normative love and sex. The Beursschouwburg's aim is to offer alternatives to mainstream porn, by screening innovative pornographic films featuring marginal voices and a diversity of bodies.
Film selection
The films were selected by Lucie Benichou, also known as Cilu Dièl. After studying social sciences in Paris and film editing at Insas in Brussels, Cilu began making short films. Founder of the Brussels Porn Film Festival and the SNAP! (Sexworkers Narrative Arts & Performance) festival, she perceives sexual expression as a legitimate art form and a way of redistributing power.
New generation
A new generation of Brussels filmmakers is emerging, as evidenced by the selection of films for My Porny Valentine. Five out of the 13 chosen films originate from Brussels. One notable documentary, by the duo Nour Beetch and Nicky Lapierre, captures the intimate reflections of an octogenarian couple as they recount their sexual escapades over jasmine tea. Defying the traditional power structures of cinema, the members of PornProcess seamlessly shift between the roles of actor, scriptwriter, cameraman, distributor, and director. Bande James Bond injects humor into their pornographic films, drawing inspiration from vampire B-movies and the storytelling techniques of Meliès, all on a shoestring budget. Rubis Collective focuses on crafting artistic pornographic narratives, placing storytelling at the forefront of their cinematic endeavors. Lastly, to address the issue of underrepresentation, members of Clap Collective embark on their filmmaking journey during a residency spanning several months, aiming to amplify marginalized voices in the industry.
Porny market and music
Between the screenings, the audience can explore a diverse array of offerings at the porn market, including prints, magazines, handmade jewelry, harnesses, sex toys, homemade lubricants, and erotic ceramics. Sex educators offer a cozy space to delve into discussions on sexual myths, pleasure, and consent. To enhance the ambiance further, a DJ set with live piano will infuse the atmosphere with a mystical and promising touch, creating a truly unforgettable experience on February 14th.
Practical info
My Porny Valentine takes place on Wednesday 14 February at the Beursschouwburg, starting at 18:00. The last tickets will be on sale at the entrance for €10.
More info on beursschouwburg.be et @my_p_valentine
