Gilone sings in the film "Sex is comedy”
Explore the trailer for Sex is Comedy (2024), directed by Edith Chapin. In this groundbreaking documentary about intimacy coordinators in French cinema, my vocal composition intertwines with William Martin's music, blending ambient pop with organic sounds. Together, we reveal the beauty and significance of this first-ever documentary focused on the vital role of intimacy coordinators in the French film industry.
Synopsis
Sex, Comedy, and Consent" introduces us to the role of intimacy coordinators and the challenges of staging sex on screen by following the creation of an intimate scene in the series Split by Iris Brey, with intimacy coordinator Paloma Garcia Martens. The film highlights a little-known profession that challenges traditional norms and is revolutionizing filming practices, after decades of no oversight or support for actors. While the profession is now widespread in Anglo-Saxon countries, it remains marginal and in its early stages in France, marking the beginning of a new era...
Beyond the Male Gaze: Intimacy Coordination and the Fight for Racially Inclusive Cinematic Narratives
Hollywood and Paris have long hyper-sexualized Black bodies, often reducing them to mere objects of desire. With the rise of the #MeToo movement, the film industry has begun to recognize the importance of intimacy coordinators to ensure actors' safety, comfort, and consent. However, these professionals are still mostly white, which creates a gap in understanding the racial dynamics at play in intimate scenes. The hyper-sexualization of Black bodies remains a significant issue, and this lack of diversity in intimacy coordination exacerbates the problem.
Intimacy coordinators are essential in fostering safer, more equitable environments on set, especially when it comes to portraying love and intimacy. Yet, Black intimacy coordinators, like Teniece Divya Johnson, face unique challenges in an industry that often overlooks racial stereotypes. These professionals not only need to ensure physical safety but also address deeply rooted racial issues, such as the fetishization of Black bodies, which has historically been ignored by mainstream cinema.
The absence of nuanced portrayals of Black love and intimacy in film must be addressed. As the industry shifts toward more inclusive storytelling, intimacy coordinators must be trained to recognize and challenge racial stereotypes. By doing so, they can help craft scenes that represent Black and mixed-race characters with the dignity, complexity, and authenticity they deserve—marking the beginning of a more respectful and honest portrayal of love on screen.
