Legendary sex-positive erotic filmmaker Erika Lust has been advocating for a change in the adult entertainment industry for the past two decades. With her Barcelona-based studio, Erika Lust Films, she produces 'sex-positive, indie adult cinema' that centers on the female experience and portrays sexually intelligent narratives. Her mission is to challenge societal norms and create ethical porn that breaks away from degrading representations of women and racism prevalent in mainstream porn.
Erika Lust began her career as a runner in the entertainment industry, learning about it from the inside. In 2004, she made her first short film, 'The Good Girl,' which won an award at the Barcelona International Erotic Film Festival and led to funding for a collection of sex-positive shorts called Five Hot Stories for Her.
As intimacy coordinators have become increasingly commonplace in the film and TV industries after the #MeToo movement, their role has gained recognition. Intimacy coordinators ensure consent and safety during scenes involving sex or nudity while maintaining actor boundaries and closed sets for challenging scenes. Some seasoned actors, like Jennifer Aniston and Michael Douglas, have dismissed the need for intimacy coordinators on set or expressed dislike towards their presence.
However, other actors like Zendaya and Ewan McGregor have welcomed the role of intimacy coordinators as it ensures safety and comfort during intimate scenes. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Erika Lust called for professional recognition of the role of intimacy coordinators in prestigious film awards such as the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Emmys.
Erika Lust's work has been celebrated for its ethical approach to adult entertainment. Her films challenge societal norms and promote consent, liberated sexuality, and female empowerment. As a pioneer in the industry, she continues to push boundaries with her innovative storytelling and commitment to creating authentic representations of sex on screen.
