By GiA G
For the first time in its history, the Berlin Porn Film Festival 2024 introduced a new section called “Creators in Focus,” celebrating a diverse array of content creators. This addition aimed to showcase the multifaceted nature of the adult industry and highlight the people who bring these f ilms to life, both in front of and behind the camera. By including this section, the festival curators broadened the scope of the movies typically shown, featuring those made primarily for commercial purposes.
Most films shown at porn festivals aren’t necessarily created for financial gain. They’re passion projects, artistic endeavors—films that “need” to be made. These movies often lack big budgets or commercial success but travel the world to different porn festivals, celebrated for their artistic value and unique vision. They’re important pieces of art that celebrate sexuality, though sadly not as popular as more “mainstream” films. The “Content Creators in Focus” section, however, showcased f ilms made with the primary purpose of selling.
Some films were created by content creators themselves, displaying the type of content popular on fan pages and clip sites. These provide a unique perspective on the changing adult industry landscape, where performers have more direct control over their content and audience engagement. The section also included professionally produced films by established companies like Hardwerk (specializing in gangbangs) and Ersties (an all-female-run company), demonstrating the ongoing professionalism in porn-making.
The “Content Creators in Focus” section showcases films made for commercial purposes—the side of porn known within mainstream society, the porn that “gets you off.” While you won’t find these f ilms by simply clicking on the first page after googling “porn,” they’re accessible online if you’re willing to pay. Consider this a reminder to support your favorite creators and sites. (Sidenote: PinkLabelTV offers a large selection of festival movies!)
By adding this important section, the curators succeeded in showing the variety within the porn world. After the screening, some performers participated in a panel discussion, further broadening the conversation. They spoke about their jobs, what it takes, and how they navigate the associated stigma. Contrary to popular belief, making films in the adult industry, performing, and running fan and clip sites are not “get-rich-quick schemes.” This job often requires more time and effort than a conventional full-time job. Working in the adult industry demands specific skills, expertise, resilience, commitment, and creativity. It’s not a job for everyone, but it is a job nonetheless. Sex work is work—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Emphasizing this in the world we live in today is all the more important. Left and right, laws are popping up making work in the sex industry more precarious and more dangerous. Celebrating the beauty of what we do is all the more important now.