a sex-positive international film festival celebrating the artistry of erotic cinema while inspiring diverse communities to engage in adult conversations about sex.
After a long absence, we are again hosting events at the Grand Illusion Cinema in Seattle. Starting with the 4K restoration of SHORTBUS (2006). So if you missed our 35mm screening in 2018, here’s another opportunity to see this amazingly warm and innovative film from director, John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch).
Each year, the SECS Fest selection jury reconvenes after the festival to decide upon the best films in the festival to award four “Golden Raincoat Awards” to each year.
Why are the awards called “Golden Raincoats”?
We borrowed Raincoat from the derogatory term for the men who would frequent adult movie theaters, the raincoaters. So it seemed fitting to reclaim the stereotype of the sleazy guy in the raincoat while naming the SECS Fest awards.
BEST FEATURE FILM: ONE LAST TIME
BEST SHORT FILM: HOLE THEORY
BEST SEX-POSITIVE FILM: THE MULTIVERSE IN A MOUTHFUCK
BEST HUMOR: PROGRESSIVE TOUCH
BEST DOCU-PORN: ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL CREATURE
The festival begins on Friday, but if you want to watch the entire virtual live-stream of the festival, you need to buy your tickets now. Sales of the virtual festival pass end on Thursday, September 9 at 10 pm (Pacific Time).
Individual in-person tickets are still available to all shows and can be purchased through Stranger Tickets or in person at the Grand Illusion Cinema, 30 minutes before the start of the show. Just remember to wear a mask and bring proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
The festival weekend is going to be challenging due to numerous sports events, construction, and road closures. So you will need to give plenty of time to get to the University District and find street parking.
And SECS FEST has some press this year.
BOMB Magazine: Girls Just Want to Have: Shiva Sanjari Interviewed by Jessica Lanay
Shiva Sanjari’s documentary, RED LIPSTICK, will screen on Sunday, September 12 at 2 pm. The full interview by Jessica Lanay will follow the film. Tickets an info at https://www.secsfest.org/red-lipstick/.
See you at the festival!
This year, there are 30 short films at the festival spanning so many different genres. There is bound to be a shorts program that will appeal.
“For Your Pleasure” Shorts Program (90 min)
Discover pleasures from new perspectives with films about self-discovery, new life, creative foreplay, bumpn’ beats, and a time traveln’ hole.
MATHILDA
Another Beautiful Creature
Wild Card
Progressive Touch
Hole Theory
“For Your Pleasure” – 6 PM – Friday, Sept 10 – Grand Illusion – TICKETS
“Caught on Camera” Shorts Program (80 min)
Reflections, gaze, projections, and physical media all play a part in these films where the lens has a leading role.
The Mirror
LUMILUST
2 or 3 Things I Like About Him
Pendulums
“In a Strange Room”
“Caught on Camera” – 12 PM – Sat, Sept 11 – Grand Illusion – TICKETS
“Nightclubbing” Shorts Program (90 min)
Get hypnotized by the music, lights and mysteries that linger in the afterhours. These films will take you through a mind melding blowjob, a late night stroll through a city asleep, an all girl band making more than just music, and plenty more visual vices that will rock your Saturday night.
The Multiverse in a MouthF*ck
Nightender
Devoid
Shadowplay
Girl Gang
“Nightclubbing” – 6 pm – Sat., Sept] 11 – Grand Illusion – TICKETS
“Love is the Drug” Shorts Program (90 min)
Craving some nature? We’ve got you covered with bodega treats, picnics, sultry seaside encounters, canna-comforts and more. Guaranteed to leave you hungry for more.
CRAVINGS
Snack Time
Femmes4FingerBlasting
Dic Pic Picnic
Forest Affair
Tears for Water, A Selkie Fantasy
Soaked
Saint Plaisir
Fisherman
Pops’ Corn
“Love is the Drug” – 8 pm – Sunday, Sept 12 – Grand Illusion – TICKETS
Can’t decide? Get the virtual pass to the live-streamed festival and watch them all. Sales end for the virtual pass on Thursday, Sept 9 at 10 pm (PDT).
Tickets are on sale at 8 am (pacific) on August 25.
You have the option to either see individual film programs at the Grand Illusion Cinema or you can get a pass to the festival live-stream. The only difference will be that the live-stream will not include the Fred Halsted double-feature.
For tickets visit https://www.secsfest.org/festival-2021-tickets/ or visit our event page at Stranger Tickets.
Just remember, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (or have a recent negative test result) to attend the festival screenings at the Grand Illusion Cinema. Also, masks are required for all indoor events.
And as always, you must be 18+ to attend either the virtual or in-person festival.
*Ticket links will not work until after 8 am on August 25th.