The 19th Porn Film Festival Berlin (PFFB) is set to return from October 22 to 27, 2024, offering a comprehensive and diverse selection of films exploring themes of sexuality, gender, feminism, body politics, and more. Hosted at two iconic locations in Berlin—Kino Moviemento and Babylon Kreuzberg—this year’s festival promises to be a vibrant mix of long films, short film programs, discussions, and retrospectives.
What is the Porn Film Festival Berlin?
Since its inception in 2006, the Porn Film Festival Berlin has established itself as a groundbreaking event that explores sexual identity and politics through the lens of cinema. As one of the first festivals of its kind in Germany, it distinguishes itself by offering a non-commercial, independent platform for filmmakers and artists to explore themes often overlooked by mainstream media. The festival is entirely self-financed, relying on sponsors, and features no public funding, which ensures its focus on artistic freedom.
The PFFB showcases a wide array of films ranging from experimental to feminist and queer perspectives. Everything related to the adult industry. Its mission is to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in discussions surrounding sex and pornography. By offering a safe space for filmmakers and viewers alike, the festival has become a key player in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the realm of sexual expression.
Paulita Pappel, a producer, director, performer, intimacy coordinator, entrepreneur, sex worker and one of the festival curators
The History of Porn Film Festival Berlin
Founded by filmmaker and producer Jürgen Brüning, the Porn Film Festival Berlin began as a response to the lack of platforms that embraced alternative pornographic cinema.
Initially modest in size, the festival has grown over the years into an internationally recognized event, drawing filmmakers and visitors from all over the world. With over 8,000 attendees each year, PFFB has become one of the most anticipated annual events for people interested in sex-positive films that challenge traditional representations of sexuality.
The festival continues to thrive under the leadership of a dedicated team of filmmakers, producers, and film theorists who work tirelessly to curate a rich and engaging program each year. Over time, similar festivals have sprung up around the globe, showing the influence of PFFB in shaping a global dialogue on pornography and sex work.
This Year’s Highlights: Films and Special Programs
In 2024, the Porn Film Festival Berlin will present 35 feature films and 21 short film programs, showcasing works from around the world. The festival opens with a trio of films that set the tone for this year’s exploration of identity, desire, and autonomy.
The opening lineup includes:
- Her Body – A True Porn Story (2023) by Natálie Císařovská
- Queen of the Deuce (2022) by Valerie Kontakos
- 2551.02 – The Orgy of the Damned (2023) by Norbert Pfaffenbichler
The closing film will be Another Body (2023) by Sophie Compton and Reuben Hamlyn, with Compton attending the screening.
In addition to the main films, this year’s retrospective program, San Francisco Sexual Babylon, curated by Jon Davies, features six curated sessions blending fiction and documentary, focusing on queer and sexual liberation in the iconic city.
The PFFB Online segment will also return this year, featuring 97 short films and 8 feature films available for streaming from October 28 to November 10, 2024. This online option ensures that audiences from all over the world can access the festival’s unique programming.
Importance of the Porn Film Festival
The Porn Film Festival Berlin plays a crucial role in fostering conversations about sexuality, representation, and the ethics of pornography. In an era where discussions about sexual identity, gender fluidity, and body politics are becoming increasingly mainstream, the festival serves as an essential platform for underrepresented voices.
It offers a space where creators can challenge the stigmas around pornography and sex work while providing educational insights into alternative lifestyles and ethical pornography production.
This festival is not just about eroticism or titillation; it’s about the political, emotional, and personal dimensions of human sexuality. In a world where sexual expression is often shamed or hidden, the PFFB encourages openness, critical thinking, and exploration. It’s an environment where boundaries are pushed, stereotypes are dismantled, and viewers are invited to reflect on their own perceptions of sexuality.
Jury and Awards
In 2024, the international jury for the feature film competition at the Porn Film Festival Berlin will be composed of three distinguished figures from the world of cinema and sexual art.
Ambrita Sunshine, an artist and performer known for her innovative and provocative work, will join filmmaker and educator Harvey Rabbit, who brings a deep understanding of film and sexuality. The third member, Jon Davies, is a curator, author, and art historian with a focus on queer and alternative cinema.
This expert panel will award the festival’s top prize, including a 500€ award for the best feature film. In addition to this, other key prizes will be presented, such as the Best Documentary, the Best Lesbian Film (sponsored by L-Mag), and the ClubLum Award for Best Experimental Short Film.
The 19th PornFilmFestival Berlin promises to be a bold and exciting event, celebrating not just pornography but the complex relationships between sexuality, politics, identity, and art. From the diverse range of films to the thought-provoking discussions and workshops, PFFB 2024 is set to challenge perceptions, engage audiences, and, above all, foster a deeper understanding of human sexuality.
Whether you’re attending in person at the historic Kino Moviemento or Babylon Kreuzberg, or joining the global audience online, the festival offers an unmissable opportunity to explore and celebrate the many facets of sex, art, and cinema.
