Saturday, February 24, 8:45 p.m. | In SHAKEDOWN—a film with the rare distinction of at one point being simultaneously available on both the Criterion Channel and Pornhub—conceptual artist Leilah Weinraub’s documents the vibrant and provocative world of the eponymous L.A.’s Black, lesbian underground strip club. With the tenderness of a home movie, Weinraub provides a window into the world of Shakedown, which was owned and operated by women, illegal in nature, and a place of sexual empowerment and community. An exploration of desire, identity, and resistance, hailed by Cinema Scope as “a queer cultural intervention on par with PARIS IS BURNING, without the touristic undertones,” SHAKEDOWN captures the propulsive, dreamlike atmosphere of a haven of sexual freedom.

Awards & Nominations

Winner - Special Programming Committee Award, Outfest
Official Selection: Berlinale Panorama, Sheffield Doc/Fest, Frameline42, Outfest

Hot & Heavy: Leave your inhibitions at the door and unclutch your pearls: the Film Center’s screens are sizzling with the 10 sexually liberated films of Hot & Heavy. A carnal exploration of desire, passion, and physical dexterity, Hot & Heavy encourages audiences to indulge in the erotic—not as forbidden fruit, but in a celebratory embrace of what turns us on in a safe space that respectfully recognizes the cinematic power of all things bodily bawdy. Content consideration: these films contain explicit sexual content (obviously). View full series.

The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu