Join Ita at the BFI Film Festival

Let’s Talk About Sex (on Screen) – A panel discussion about portrayals of sex and sexuality in contemporary film and television, and what these representations can tell us about sexual politics and gender cultures today.

Sunday 19 October 2025 15:00

BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library

Reserve tickets via link in socials bio

From steamy scenes to awkward encounters, sex on screen has never been more varied or more revealing. From raw, honest moments to darkly humorous takes, this lively panel will discuss how contemporary film and television are rethinking desire, gender and power dynamics in ways that are bold, funny, messy and meaningful. With insights from filmmakers and cultural thinkers, we’ll explore everything from the rise of the intimacy coordinator to queer love stories, hook-up culture and beyond, and we’ll ask the question: What do current trends say about shifting norms around bodies, relationships and sexual pleasure?

Speakers/panellists

Billy Holzberg, co-author Bad Sex: Sexuality, Gender and Affect in Contemporary TV

Ita O’Brien, leading intimacy coordinator, creator of the Intimacy On Set Guidelines and author of Intimacy

Xuanlin Tham, author Revolutionary Desires: The Political Power of the Sex Scene

Hosted by Black Venus, founder of Sex and Rage, a sex worker and activist organisation resisting stigma and shame through sex education.