PHALLACIES
1
Could you explain the motivation behind this project and how the idea of centering an anthology around the male member originated?
Domiziano Cristopharo: "PHALLACIES - The Movie" is more than just a film; it's a collective expression of defiant artists who invest not only their souls but also their bodies into their work. This commitment is even more profound this time, as the filmmakers themselves act in their segments—a choice that holds great significance.
Comprising 11 short films, the collection spans a range of genres from the extreme and gory to animated, bizarre comedies and unsettling dramas. The central theme? The penis. There’s no censorship, no moralizing.
Why this theme? The association between nudity and eroticism, especially in the eyes of conservative European audiences, stems from a millennia-old process. It began with the rise of the Catholic Church, an institution that dictated sexuality should be confined to certain behaviors and reserved for marriage solely for procreation. This concept needed to be thoroughly challenged.
2
Censorship and societal "domination" of respectability heavily influence how nudity is perceived and interpreted. Any small achievement are often overshadowed by a swift return to repressive attitudes, disguised as progress. What are your thoughts on this?
Domiziano Cristopharo: Art and cinema have long served as more than just entertainment; they have acted as a social mirror, reflecting messages and fueling revolutions. However, today's climate of rising moralism, replacing traditional censorship, is pushing society towards self-censorship as a means of survival. This shift is evident in Amazon and Barnes & Noble banning the sale of artistic nude books, increased censorship on video platforms like Vimeo following YouTube's lead, and even the refusal of some factories to print magazines or Blu-rays containing explicit content.
This trend threatens not only freedom of expression but also the survival of independent artists and small labels who resist conforming to mainstream standards. The restrictive policies of platforms like Facebook and Twitter exacerbate this issue; even discussing topics like horror can cause posts to be suppressed, effectively rendering them invisible.
3
What does the term "Dickslpoitation" mean to you, and what should we expect from your short film?
Cory DeAn Cowley
Honesty. Pure, unadulterated honesty. It’s a blending of cultures, through a taboo subject. It’s an opportunity to celebrate male sexuality, with no transgressions, hate, or prejudice. We simply are bonding through art. That’s what filmmaking should be.
You’ll expect a dash of Japanese storytelling and a liminal dreamscape that turns obsession into reality.
Brock Bones
A fuck you to one of the last tabboos that I can purley say is completly undeserving. When most others there's usually a reason lol.
An experimental throwback to the classics of Jean Rollin and Jess Franco with a surreal touch and a hint of comedy.
Jon Devlin
Dicksploitation is a form of uninhibited, artistic cinema that's canvas is the male anatomy. It challenges the viewer to confront their own preconceptions and societal norms. It's a genre that doesn't shy away from the provocative or the controversial, instead embracing it to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling and redefine the limits of artistic freedom.
My segment will be a silent horror film about a home invasion, with some moments of pitch black comedy. It will explore themes of fragile masculinity, rejection, dominance, and consequence.
Jake Valentine
Dicksploitation means that male anatomy is the main event. This is us. This is art. People are art. This is most importantly the rawest form of honesty you'll ever see on the silver screen. No censorship, no overthinking, no holding back our creativity or talent. Raw art.
Dicksploitation means freedom for art. It means giving a meaning to the human body other than something sexualized. It means empowerment.
As far as my segment goes, do not expect something horrifying. The horror represented is not in others. It's in the self and what we choose for our future self. It is a revelation of what we should and should not care about. Expect drama, sadness and despair.
Pete Lankston
Dicksploitation for me, is about exploring something culturally taboo, provocative and sensationalising the subject matter. Taking the penis and popping on a superhero- or villain costume. Graphic, fun, controversial, stylised, unique, rebellious.
MadHead is about 9 minutes long... A nightmare of either a man, a woman, a penis or some semen. Up to you.
Poison Rouge
"Dicksploitation" has undeniably evolved into an art movement, thanks to PHALLACIES. The penis motif is merely a surface layer—a provocative entry point—but it opens up a deeper exploration of the numerous taboos that persist in art and society. I hope people will soon recognize the growing entrapment of social media and politics.
In my short film, I explore the theme of self-rejection and the social pressures that fuel it. While the film is visionary in its approach, it also carries a profound sadness. I'm grateful to have expressed my thoughts freely, unburdened by moralism or the fear of censorship.
Adam Ford
Before transitioning to horror, I worked in the adult film industry. Despite the limitations imposed on me and the potential judgment regarding my artistic and lifestyle choices, I never felt crushed or constrained. My debut as a director came with "Torment," thanks to Domitian. The film quickly found its place in the extreme underground niche, sparking controversy - not so much for its violence, but for its bold use of male nudity.
This is why a film like "Phallacies" is so important. If we still encounter moralism and conservatism even in horror and underground circles, it’s clear there's much work to be done.
My segment in "Phallacies" is a surreal, dreamlike, grotesque, and almost nonsensical piece - honestly, it's a true experiment in every sense of the word!
Domiziano Cristopharo
In my segment, I explore a haunting and unusual tale of dominance, where the natural order is disrupted and redefined. I focused on symbolism and music, crafting a short film that feels almost like a music video. The sense of creative freedom this project has given me is incredibly invigorating.
David Stojan
To me, an exploitation movie about dicks signifies an opportunity to confront societal norms and explore complex themes. Such a film could serve as a vehicle to challenge taboos surrounding male sexuality, offering a lens through which we can examine issues of identity, power, and representation. By pushing boundaries and embracing the provocative nature of exploitation cinema, it could spark important conversations about how we perceive and discuss masculinity and sexual expression in contemporary culture.
What should you expect from my short film: You can expect to see the real connection between me and my dick. The real me behind closed doors and how I interact with my dick 24/7.
Jack Mulvanerty
Phallic: An object dissecting holy men’s minds. Distinguished between disgust and mistrust of humanity, earth. Unworthiness upon spiritual planes…. Demonic forces etching their planes into cosmos…. The divine match…. Eve’s ripped flower. Suspended in disarray…. Will Saint press keys into heavens lock…. Will gates spread Moses waves.
Hatred…. As prophetic words drip onto, dribbling of morality…. Repulsion, sin…. Life death…. Man.
The light casts a reflection of leader ship, virtue but the dark drizzles into an abyss of sadism, chaos, disgrace and sepsis….
Man’s mystic urge …. Worried a hidden door will never eek open. Cauterizing open wombs…. Etching disgust upon an only sun… branded with de moralists ideas of peace… torture by stigmata virtues….
Uncertain ….Peace,,, escaping
Slade Wilson
It’s intriguing to consider how something as natural as the male penis and nudity - elements that have been depicted freely in art since ancient times - have become such a taboo in modern cinema, often censored or avoided entirely.
"Dickspoitation" aims to confront these taboos head-on, challenging unnecessary censorship and working to normalize these themes. Art should be liberated, and this film seeks to be a revolutionary outcry against repression.
My short film presents a concept that is both simple and grotesque. I hope it provokes some dark humor while also evoking a sense of discomfort.
Here's below the links where you can find and support the 'Phallacies' project online:
Comments