SMUT: Tracing SF Cinema's Dirty Roots

SMUT: Tracing SF Cinema's Dirty Roots

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Peace, love, freedom—these are the hallmarks of the San Francisco lifestyle. But let's not forget about the sex. Not surprisingly, SF became the first city to legalize pornography in 1969, and our pretty little progressive town became the epicenter of porn production in the early '70s.

In a nod to our notorious past, filmmaker Michael Stabile has documented the history of the sex industry in SF in a forthcoming documentary called Smut Capital of America. On Thursday, YBCA will screen the flick, which includes interviews with the legendary John Waters (of course) and other sex revolutionists. The documentary will be followed by a discussion with Stabile himself. I imagine it's going to be one interesting Q&A.

Additional films will be screened through August 18 as part of YBCA's Bay Area Now 6 series. Here's a teaser: Passing Strangers is gay porn meets art film, Hard Shorts features cheap shots, and The Meatrack tells the story of a bisexual hustler. Titillated yet? It's the perfect excuse to watch a few x-rated flicks and call it a night of art history.

Smut Capital of America: Screening and Discussion with Michael Stabile
Thurs. 7/14, 7:30 p.m., YBCA Screening Room, 701 Mission St.


See full schedule of screenings at ybca.org.

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