Good Vibes' Independent Erotic Film Festival Call for Entries

SAN FRANCISCO—Does popular porn and mainstream media reflect what you think is sexy? What is the hottest thing you’ve ever seen on the big screen?  Think you could do better?  Now is your change to show the world what you think is sexy in 7 minutes or less. Submit your short erotic-themed film to Good Vibrations Independent Erotic Film Festival and you may end up a star!  Good Vibrations, the legendary Bay Area retailer that takes pride in providing accurate information on sexuality and toys for grown-ups, has announced its Sixth Annual Independent Erotic Film Festival (IXFF), featuring five nights of diverse, sexy cinema that culminates in the international short film competition and party at the historic Castro Theatre on September 22.  The deadline is June 30 and submission is free. Good Vibrations is inviting filmmakers from around the world to show what they think is sexy or sexual in 7 minutes or less. The definition of "erotic" is as broad as one can imagine—funny, serious, explicit, no sex, gay, straight, queer, kink, romantic, documentary, animation, music videos, and more.  The audience votes on their favorite and the winner receives $1,500 and the honor of winning in the most sexually sophisticated city in the world. Recently awarded "Best Place to See Your (Talented and Attractive) Neighbors Naked" by the San Francisco Weekly’s 2011 “Best Of” reader poll, the Good Vibrations Indie Erotic Film Festival celebrates sex positivity with a healthy dose of humor and ample fun.  Previous finalists included an erotic satire called The Filth Element, an animated short about sex in a pool hall, a POV of a dildo and a music video about horny pregnant women, among others. Saucy Indie film queen and drag celebrity extraordinaire Peaches Christ and Good Vibration staff sexologist Dr. Carol Queen will welcome guests to the international short film competition Sept. 22 at the Castro Theatre.  The night of decadence begins with a pre-party in the mezzanine, where filmgoers will warm up for a night of sexy cinema with live music, cocktails, hors d’ouevres, hot burlesque and sexy giveaways.  On the main stage, finalists from around the world will show us what they think is sexy and compete for the audience choice award and $1,500.  Lest we take ourselves (and sex) too seriously, Peaches Christ and her veteran drag queen friends will be on hand to bring comic relief to the unusual experience of watching sex on screen with strangers. Since the proliferation of home porn in the eighties, it has become extremely rare to find adult cinema in movie theatres.  Beyond the novelty of watching sexy films in public, the Good Vibrations Indie Erotic Film Festival celebrates the broad spectrum of human sexuality in a fun, party atmosphere that expresses the company’s sex-positive premise and reminds us why we live in San Francisco.   The festivities kick off on Saturday, September 17 with diverse programming including such highlights as Susie Bright’s How to Read a Dirty Movie, queer filmmaker Shine Louise Houston’s Pink and White retrospective, a “Celebration of Sleaze” gay porn night, and a Sexy Euro Cinema clip show at various venues in San Francisco.  Straight, gay, queer or kinky, you will find it all and then some at the festival finale at the short film competition at the Castro on Sept. 22.  What started out as a local festival for amateur filmmakers has evolved into a celebration of erotic cinema by a broad array of skilled independent filmmakers from around the world.  “Good Vibrations is the original sex-positive, female and couples-friendly adult retailer, and our Indie Erotic Film Festival is a continuation of our 34 year-old sex positive mission,” said Good Vibrations film festival producer Camilla Lombard. “With the help of independent filmmakers from around the world, we broaden the definition of “sexy” and challenge mainstream porn and media in a fun and meaningful way.”  Submissions must be 7 minutes or less, and the deadline is June 30, 2011.  For more details, rules and regulations, visit GV-IXFF.org.