PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Last Thursday, award-winning director Angie Rowntree returned to Brown University to present a talk on ethics, filmmaking, and the power of narrative storytelling in adult content for a course on pornography.

Prior to Rowntree’s arrival, the students prepared by watching two very different Sssh films, Alla Prima and Mirror Game. “Alla Prima is a literal and simmering combination of art and sexual fantasy told through touch and color, and Mirror Game is Sssh’s supernatural thriller that won XBIZ Erotic-Themed Movie of the Year in 2021. Obviously these are two very different films in terms of their subject matter, so it was perfect for a comparative take,” Rowntree explained.

“In the case of Mirror Game, for instance, it’s easy to see how the sex is about the characters–not the actors, and also how the sex is really “in character” and used to move the story forward.” She added: “We also discussed how in both films, the music becomes another character in as far as how it impacts the tone and the storytelling.”

Rowntree’s talk began with an overview about how her collaborative studio operates, and how she navigates consent and communication on set. “I wanted to impart especially how making porn can be empowering for everyone involved in the production,” Rowntree said, “and also to be clear about the significance of making porn from the female perspective–and why doing so continues to be important.”

As she demonstrated Sssh’s new video viewing platform, Soiree, to the class, she explained, “I created Soiree not only to help people struggling with loneliness during the pandemic, but also to provide a way to combine porn and intimacy, as your time spent in Soiree is always a shared experience.” Rowntree added, “No doubt some future entrepreneurs are here in the audience–it’s amazing to think of how far sextech has come and where it’s going.”

Rowntree also delved into the issue of “authenticity” on camera as well her takes on porn sex vs. real life sex. She stated: “Porn is a wonderful tool to explore your fantasies and get in the mood with a partner. However, I also cannot stress enough that it is important to check in with each other, and realize that what you do in the privacy of your own home together is miles away from what happens on a professional set–and that’s not only OK, it’s totally normal. No one should worry or compare “real life” to edited and polished porn scenes produced by professionals.” She continued: “That being said, a huge component of my professional career has been capturing authentic moments of pleasure, because that is what Sssh is about and also why everything on Sssh is inspired by member-submitted fantasies”.

The students then watched Rowntree’s 2015 film, Gone, a gripping drama that takes on passion and bereavement. “I was truly flattered by what people said about Gone, particularly that it was the only adult movie they had seen with that amount of depth and that tackled such a difficult topic,” said Rowntree.

“All things considered, it was an incredibly fun and successful night. I was slated for only a 90 minute lecture, but I ended up speaking for almost three hours because the students asked so many compelling and nuanced questions. It was truly inspiring to encounter this group of students who not only care about their porn being made ethically, but they were also engaged with the storytelling elements, and are truly open to seeing how porn can be as artistic and impactful as it is explicit.” Rowntree concluded, “I am delighted and honored to say that I’ve already been invited back–and the pleasure is all mine.”