It’s almost time again! In just some days, the S.E.C.S. (Seattle Erotica Cinema Society) Fest kicks off in Grand Illusion Cinema in Seattle. From November 8th to November 10th, the erotic film festival Seattle will showcase a selection of films, ranging from more subtle to highly explicit, but always centered around themes of eroticism and sex. Here, you’ll find all the essential information you need about the festival.
What is the S.E.C.S. Fest?
S.E.C.S. Fest stands for the “Seattle Erotica Cinema Society,” an organization founded by DeAnna in 2013. The vision behind this festival is to create a space where discussions about sex, eroticism, preferences, diversity, and sexuality in cinema can happen freely and without shame or inhibition. To support and promote the film society, SECS Fest hosts monthly screenings at the Grand Illusion Cinema in Seattle’s University District, showcasing a diverse range of films. These include X-rated classics from the Golden Age of adult cinema, soft-core sexploitation films, European art pieces, experimental films, and even less explicit works focused on relationships or erotic themes.
The international festival itself emphasizes mid- to feature-length films, as well as documentaries and selected short films, all centered around erotic and sexual topics. The curation is intentional, considering race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, kink, body type, beauty standards, age, and ability, to ensure a diverse and authentic representation of society. The aim is to move away from conventional “norm porn” that many have grown tired of and to celebrate a broader, more inclusive view of human sexuality. S.E.C.S. Fest also serves as a catalyst for open, honest, and non-judgmental conversations while promoting sex-positive values within the community.
History of the S.E.C.S Fest
S.E.C.S. was founded in 2013 by DeAnna Berger after she assisted at another erotic festival and recognized the potential for a similar event in Seattle. However, she envisioned a festival with some key differences: a stronger focus on feature-length films and a broader representation of diversity. After taking a course called “History of Porn” with David Church, the concept for the Seattle Erotica Cinema Society was fully developed, leading to the creation of the annual festival. To generate attention and raise funds for SECS Fest, monthly events were organized at the Grand Illusion Cinema in Seattle’s University District. These gatherings spotlight sex-positive themes through interviews, public screenings, and film discussions, providing an engaging platform for the community.
Schedule and Tickets
This year’s program features films from a wide array of countries. The United States and Germany have the strongest presence at SECS Fest, with numerous entries. However, submissions also come from Australia, Austria, Poland, France, Brazil, and Spain. The festival kicks off on Friday, November 8, 2024, with a feature film. Opening the event is a 4K restored version of the 1982 film “Café Flesh” by Stephen Sayadian.
Afterward, the films are categorized by genre and grouped into thematic sections. Titles like “Post Porn,” “Old School/New School,” and “Dark Fantasy” give the audience a glimpse into the content and themes. Tickets for a thematic block are available for $12 (plus fees), while a festival pass granting access to all events throughout the weekend costs $70 (plus fees).
Awards
Each year, after the festival, SECS Fest presents its “Golden Raincoat Awards.” The awards are given in the following categories: “Best Feature Film,” “Best Short Film,” “Best Sex-Positive Film,” “Best Humor,” and “Best Documentary.” There’s an interesting story behind the award’s name. Seattle is famous for its rainy weather, yet locals are known for rarely using umbrellas. Instead, as the organizers explain on their website, residents are accustomed to braving the rain in weatherproof jackets, making the raincoat an iconic symbol of Seattle.
The term “raincoaters” also has a colorful history. It still is a derogatory label used to describe men who visit adult cinemas. To reclaim and transform this stigma into something positive, the festival adopted “Golden Raincoat” as a playful and empowering name for its awards.
Where to find SECS online?
SECS Fest is supported by Shunpike, a nonprofit organization that assists independent artist groups and events in Washington in achieving their goals. Additional information about SECS Fest can be found on its website, as well as on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Each year, there is also a submission window for filmmakers working in the erotic film genre, allowing them to submit their own works for consideration.
This year also brings a significant change, as the festival will have to relocate from its longtime venue, the Grand Illusion Cinema, because the building’s lease will not be renewed in 2025. Plans are already in motion to find a new location nearby, and the organizers assure that next year’s festival will go on. They also mention on their website that any support for the Grand Illusion Cinema is appreciated. A link with further information is available on the website as well.
