Face is a kaleidoscopic documentary - a singular portrait made up of many faces - which delves into the private and public worlds of everyday human sexuality. The focus is on the people involved in Beautiful Agony, an ever-expanding collaborative art project that collates self-portraiture video recordings of orgasm faces.
Filtered through the director's experience as a participant of Beautiful Agony, initially working behind the camera and then turning the lens on herself, Face presents a collage of unique perspectives from individuals who have contributed to the project, plus the project's founder Lauren Olney and art theorist Edward Colless.
Considering Beautiful Agony as a logical development of self-portraiture in an age of accessible digital technology, the documentary explores the human face as a canvas for creative expression, and what it can reveal when recorded in an intimate way.
Commissioned by Screen Australia and ABCTV and produced by Matchbox Pictures.
Please contact to view a copy.
Face (2011)
26 minutes
Single channel digital video, 16mm, stereo sound
Viewer comments about Face from ABC Arts Message Board, February 2011:
"This was an excellent film. So rare that you get to see such purity."
"Congratulations on the beautiful doco. It was so refreshing to see sexuality on tv in all its rawness."
"Well done Adele - such a beautiful documentary. Your idea is brilliant, and I wish it was longer! I would love to see more of your visual art combined with the footage."
"The program is brilliant!!"
"Beautifully assembled. Flows so well, and doesn't give the viewer a chance to disengage for even a second… I was moved to tears by the film's conclusion. The whole viewing was such a visceral experience."
"this was the most beautiful, most moving, creative and emotive piece i've seen on TV in years. It's been a long time since i've been so transfixed by an idea, presented as well as this, in this medium… its something beautiful, challenging and engaging that you've created."
"Your control and composition of the projections was very beautiful."
"a very beautiful, thoughtful & thought-provoking film."
"Brave, impressive examination of a relatively taboo aspect of humanity."
"a very engaging and courageous piece of work."