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Sarah here, teaching English around the world. Living life and seeing things.
Sell/Buy/Date is a deeply moving and hard-hitting film at this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) festival that opens up several controversial and conflicting conversations; What is the sex industry? Can it ever be safe? Who is being protected, and how?
Whilst we are contemplating these questions, we’re allowed an insight into a deeply personal journey that brings together this whole exploration. Sell/Buy/Date is written and directed by Sarah Jones, who also brings her unique sense of humour and heart to the film as the main star.
The Controversy Begins
The opening of this SXSW film gives us an introduction to Jones’ characters, as well as the backlash she faced with the announcement of the film. Each of the characters brings humour, but they each also bring a different side of the conflict that is so obviously within Jones. In particular, Bella, a college sophomore studying Sex Work, and Nereida, a Puerto Rican/Dominican activist who really embodies the biggest struggle; not only for Jones but within this discussion as well.
Bella wants the film to be made, whatever it takes, while Nereida insists on speaking to the most important people and gaining a greater understanding of what is happening. While entertaining, they’re also real, and represent the different sides of the conversation, and the different people who choose to interact with it.
Jones has an excellent way of bringing each of her characters to life, and it’s done so expertly that at times it’s easy to forget that she is playing all of them. She has a skill for balancing humour with a more heartfelt and emotional performance. Although, her greatest moments come from when she is herself, and the people she speaks to along the way. It is raw, real, and she shines in a subtle way that doesn’t take the moment away from the people she is speaking to.
Veterans of the War on Girls and Women
The sex industry is a controversial topic, to put it mildly, and it’s a conversation that often leaves out the most important voices — the people involved in the sex industry themselves. Throughout the film, we are reminded that nothing is really black or white when it comes to these types of topics, which only serves to make a resolution all the more difficult.
What I think Jones does so well is to offer different insights and perspectives. We get to hear from the people who are involved in the sex industry in different ways, and who joined this industry for different reasons. At this point, Jones represents a large amount of the audience, and she does what some people find so difficult; she listens, and she asks what they think.
We hear from many different voices in the industry; from women who are involved by choice and are activists for the decriminalisation movement, to women who are involved through necessity, who might not be as protected by decriminalisation laws. Hearing all of these voices is the most important aspect of this film, as we truly get an insight into a world that is often considered to be too taboo to discuss.
The Great Divides
Some of the most emotionally challenging and thought-provoking parts of this SXSW film come from Jones’ conversations with some of the people who are most vulnerable. In particular, Esperanza Fonseca, who brings a very raw and true experience to the screen. While we see a lot from the women who choose to be in this industry and how it empowers and frees them, but Esperanza shows us the other side of the work. She tells us about how difficult it is to be in this world of work if it’s out of necessity, and also about how the racial divide affects it. We see how a lot of women of colour and trans women are forced into an industry that does not protect them, and the steps they are hoping to make change that.
We’re also introduced to a group of indigenous women who have all had their own personal experiences with the sex industry, and how they are disproportionately affected. Their stories hit particularly hard, as we are told about how they are forced into this industry, and how difficult it is for them to leave. We also hear about the dangers they face, and what they are trying to do to change this. It is an eye-opening part of the film, that is difficult and emotional but it is also necessary. We need to see this and hear this, and the world needs to know more about what’s happening. It’s essential that these are the women we hear from, as these are the women who are hurt the most in this industry, and Jones has an excellent way of highlighting these stories in a respectful and truthful way, from the women themselves.
A Personal Journey in the SXSW Documentary
A truly beautiful theme throughout the film is the journey that Sarah takes herself with coming to terms with the loss of her sister. Sarah is trying to work up the courage to read her sister’s letters and journals, and we have a beautiful moment of self discovery when she does. We can see why this topic and exploration was important to Jones, and how it has affected her in her life.
It is the words of Jones’ sister that help her come to the decision to make this film in her own way and discuss this topic herself. She is able to give a space to the women who need it, and help them get their voices heard, which makes for a more interesting and insightful film.
Feels Like Freedom
Although this does come across as another film that is made by an outsider, it ends up being a powerful platform that gives space to the people who need it. A deeply enlightening and educational film, but it is also an emotional journey that speaks to everyone. A film that is not only highly recommended, but I would consider it essential viewing for all.
RELATED: Read my other SXSW documentary review on This Much I Know to Be True!
Sarah here, teaching English around the world. Living life and seeing things.
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