LOS ANGELES—Once upon a time, adult films lit up cinema screens as a communal celebration of human desire. From the risqué silent films of the early 20th century to the box office hits of the 60s and 70s like Deep Throat and Emmanuelle, the erotic movie house was a staple of cultural life.
However, the arrival of VHS, DVDs, and later the internet, pushed adult films into private spaces, turning what was once a shared experience into a solitary act, often burdened by shame and secrecy.
Today, we live in an era where human connection has been fractured. Post-pandemic, loneliness is a global epidemic, and cinema—a space for shared emotion—has struggled to reclaim its magic.
Theaters remain 30% down in ticket sales compared to pre-pandemic levels. And yet here we are, with eroticism in cinema making waves once again.
Films like the Emmanuelle reboot, Poor Things, and Challengers have reignited our hunger for sensual storytelling.
This moment begs a bold question: Can public porn screenings reignite the spark we so desperately need, rekindling not only the box office revenues, but our collective connection to intimacy and desire?
The Cultural Power of Erotic Cinema
Sexuality is a fundamental part of the human experience, yet society has relegated it to the shadows, surrounded by taboos and silence. But what if we reclaimed public spaces to explore sexuality openly, thoughtfully, and joyfully?
Erotic cinema has the power to do just that—not just as titillation, but as art, dialogue, and revolution. And that’s exactly what we set out to do this year.
As an erotic filmmaker, I’ve seen how story-driven adult films spark conversations and challenge outdated attitudes about intimacy. The theater can once again become a sacred space where desire is not shamed, but celebrated.
While Hollywood often reduces sexuality to superficial spectacle, ethical adult filmmakers offer an alternative. Our stories delve into the complexity of human connection, the beauty of consent, and the diversity of sexual expression. By making eroticism relatable and empowering, we create something audiences can embrace, not hide.
A New Era for Public Porn Screenings
Picture this: a darkened theater where strangers gather to celebrate sensuality and art on the big screen.. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s a radical act of reclaiming public spaces for open exploration of desire.
Screening adult films in cinemas challenges puritanical taboos, creating a space where conversations about intimacy, consent, and pleasure flourish.
When I toured the UK recently to mark 20 years of creating ethical porn and bringing my films to my fans, the energy at every screening was electric. Fans packed legendary movie houses to watch our most popular films.
They didn’t come just to consume erotic content—they came to share an experience, to connect, to celebrate a culture of sex positivity. These events proved that people are ready to embrace eroticism in public spaces once more.
Why Theaters Need Erotic Cinema
For struggling theaters, erotic cinema offers a unique opportunity—a chance to revitalize audiences with an experience that streaming simply can’t replicate.
From curious newcomers to long-time fans, people are eager for spaces where they can explore desire without judgment.
There will, of course, be hurdles—censorship, regulation, and the lingering stigma around adult content. But the potential rewards are worth the fight. Reclaiming theaters as hubs for erotic exploration can revive box office sales while fostering a culture that celebrates, rather than shames, human sexuality.
Breaking Taboos, Building Connection
Reintroducing erotic cinema to public spaces isn’t just about boosting box office numbers. It’s about dismantling the shame that isolates us and rebuilding the communal joy of shared experience.
Public screenings have the power to spark vital conversations, breaking down stigma and fostering open dialogue about intimacy, consent, and desire. They can also educate audiences about ethical porn and the importance of consuming content consciously.
The internet has already proven there’s a huge demand for authentic, diverse adult content. Platforms like OnlyFans and independent production houses have thrived by offering alternatives to mass-produced, mainstream porn. Now, it’s time to take that ethos offline and into theaters. By showcasing ethical, artfully crafted erotic films, we can create spaces that feel safe, inclusive, and celebratory.
A Vision for the Future
Just last month, I took it even further with the launch of a world-first erotic, immersive experience in Barcelona called the House of ERIKALUST. A public event and exhibition; the showcase offers visitors new and innovative ways to explore the universe of eroticism through technology, art, and clever storytelling.
Feedback from the early launch shows just how much the appetite is for a more open and public display of porn. Visitors responded in their droves:
“Sensual, provocative, amazing photography and the sound envelops you. I got horny…”
“It seemed very beautiful to me and I had the feeling of experiencing a pornographic art dedicated to the pleasure of women. It gives the feeling watching these films, that women are in charge, that they have the pleasure because they want it. Very erotic and very beautiful.”
“I really liked it because you don't feel uncomfortable, you feel comfortable and visually it is very beautiful and I really liked it because of the type of approach that is given to sexuality.”
Furthermore, with the influx of positive feedback, we intend to take the House of ERIKALUST to a global stage at SXSW London 2025.
Join us in championing a culture of sex positivity by supporting House of ERIKALUST’s journey to SXSW London 2025. Together, let’s bring eroticism into public spaces and celebrate the beauty of desire. You can vote for us to be selected here.
ERIKALUST is the company behind award-winning adult filmmaker Erika Lust, who has directed six feature films and series, over 130 short films and produced around 150 more. ERIKALUST runs the streaming platforms XConfessions (turning the public’s anonymous fantasies into explicit and artistic short films), Lust Cinema (original feature films and series alongside licensed movies by top adult studios in the industry), and Else Cinema (the Erika Lust Soft Edition for those who want to capture the details of what sex feels like), alongside The Store by Erika Lust (a source to purchase single films or collections without the need for a monthly subscription). As a mother of two, Erika also has a strong voice emphasizing the need for more informative and open sex education; The Porn Conversation is her non-profit platform giving families and educators the tools to help open up the topic of porn to the younger generations. On the Lust Zine, the uncensored mag, Erika and guest writers cover everything related to sex, kink, filmmaking, feminism and the adult industry.