A Sexplanation is a 2021 American documentary film directed by and starring Alex Liu, a Chinese American independent filmmaker. The film, which explores issues concerning sexual stigma, shame, pleasure, and pride in the context of debates over comprehensive sex education, follows Liu as he travels the United States and Canada to interview researchers, therapists, educators, authors, political leaders, and activists, including those at the Kinsey Institute, Planned Parenthood, and San Francisco Sex Information.

Cast

Alex Liu (journalist and filmmaker) as the narrator and protagonist Dr. Lauri Betito (clinical psychologist, author, and syndicated radio host) as herself Dr. Barry Komisaruk (American psychologist and Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Rutgers University) as himself Dr. William Yarber (Provost Professor at Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health, prominent AIDS/STD prevention researcher, and author) as himself Dr. Nan Wise (neuroscientist, sex therapist, and author) as herself Kristen Gilbert (Director of Education for Options for Sexual Health, Canada's largest non-profit provider of sexual health services) as herself Donal Godfrey (Irish Jesuit priest of the Society of Jesus, university chaplain, author, and activist) as himself Todd Weiler (Republican member of the Utah State Senate) as himself

Release A Sexplanation had its world premiere at the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival from March 20–30, 2021 winning the Audience Award for Feature Documentary.

The film had its international premiere at the Inside Out LGBTQ Film Festival May 27-June 6, 2021 in Toronto, where it also won the Audience Award for Feature Documentary.

The film also aired on the American television channel Fuse TV beginning in May 2022.

Reception

Critical response A Sexplanation was a New York Times Critic's Pick with writer Claire Shaffer saying, "Liu lends a frankness and sensitivity to the topic that would make “A Sexplanation” suitable to be shown in a classroom..."

Phuong Le of The Guardian wrote, "Alex Liu makes for a charismatic guide to the sexual landscape of America, with an engaging curiosity to help demystify the birds and the bees... it sparkles with an engaging curiosity."

Noel Murray from The Los Angeles Times described the film as "an entertaining movie with admirable intentions, pushing the audience to rethink their presumptions about pleasure."

Randy Myers of The Mercury News wrote, "[Liu] makes a charming guide ... Breezy and engaging." KQED arts critic Michael Fox said "A Sexplanation is an irreverent, informative and disarming road trip ... and deserves to be disseminated as widely as possible." Pat Mullen of POV Magazine wrote the movie was "Fun, informative, and sex-positive ... A Sexplanation unabashedly puts the "d" in doc."

Gary Kramer from Salon reviewed the film saying, "Alex Liu's smart, lively, and thoughtful documentary about sex education — both his in particular and America's in general. Liu's goal is to talk honestly and even vulnerably, about sex, and he covers topics ranging from masturbation and pornography to taboo fantasies to demystify sex and the shame often associated with it. It is through his discussions with his own parents, as well as sex educators and researchers — and even a Catholic priest — that he normalizes dialogue about a topic most folks would prefer not to discuss. 'A Sexplanation' is certainly a conversation starter, and like the numerous interviewees, the ingratiating Liu treats the topic respectfully, and with a healthy curiosity, which is why it is so gratifying."

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 100% based on 27 reviews.

Accolades +YearAwardCategoryResultRef.2021Asian American International Film FestivalAudience Award for Best Documentary Feature </td> Won2021Cinequest Film & Creativity FestivalAudience Award for Feature Documentary </td> Won2021Cleveland International Film FestivalAd Hoc Docs Competition </td> Nominated2021DC Asian Pacific American Film FestivalBest Documentary Feature </td> Won2021Honolulu Rainbow Film FestivalBest Documentary Feature </td> Won2021InsideOut LGBTQ Film FestivalAudience Award for Best Documentary </td> Won2021Phoenix Film FestivalDonor's Choice Competition Feature Film </td> Won2021Red Rock Film FestivalBest Documentary Feature </td> Nominated2021Reel Q Pittsburgh International LGBT FestivalBest Documentary Film </td> Won2021São Paulo International Film FestivalNew Directors Competition / Best Film </td> Nominated2021Tallgrass Film FestivalOutstanding First Feature </td> Won2022Paris International Film FestivalBest Documentary For Change / Audience Award </td> Won2023The QueertiesBest Documentary </td> Nominated

References

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