Petals: Journey Into Self-Discovery

This seventy-seven minute documentary by Beck Peacock follows the creation, book publication and art exhibitions of the stunning photographic studies of Nick Karras, a series of exquisite pictures of forty-eight vulvas. The immediate social and personal response is sometimes one of shock. But more often range of images deeply touches the viewer with profound awe and a newly discovered sense of beauty. As this taboo subject is explored, the movie records a host of reactions across North America from sex educators, women’s health professionals, art critics, female participants in the project, as well as the man/woman-in-the-street.

The film was shot and edited for viewing by a general audience, hopefully for men and women in a relationship. A guarantee: the conversation a viewer will have after seeing the film – especially if it’s with a sexual partner -- will be unlike any communication ever before. It also quickly became evident, however, that the documentary has particular appeal to many more groups with special interests – feminist organizations, the medical profession, the art community, educational institutions. For example, when the film is shown to audiences who are given a chance to ask questions and give personal responses, the event comes alive with a healthy and, often for the first time, an honest confrontation with the reality of natural sexual being.

Once in a while, a film comes along that is truly transformative.
Petals: Journey Into Self-Discovery is one.