MORGANA Directed by Isabel Peppard and Josie Hess
FANTASIA FILM FESTIVAL 2020 Aug 20 – Sept 2
After 20 years as a dutiful housewife stuck in a loveless, sexless marriage, Morgana has had enough of her dreary life. Desperately lonely and starved of intimacy, she books a male escort for one last hurrah before ending it all.
Her final night takes an unexpected turn when her relationship with the escort opens up a new world of personal and sexual freedom. Instead of killing herself, Morgana makes an award-winning porn film about their date, moves from suburban Australia to Berlin, and becomes a celebrated feminist porn director and star.
This multi-layered documentary portrait tracks Morgana’s efforts to dismantle society’s expectations while finding her authentic self, embracing community, and claiming space for a plus size woman in her fifties who just wants to have kinky sex on film. Combines interviews, verite, handmade miniature elements, animation, archival footage and Morgana’s own erotica films to tell a beautifully crafted story that is both intimate and universal.
“Originally what drew us to this story were the rich humanistic themes around the taboo of aging and visible sexuality, the need for intimacy and touch, the search for community and belonging and the redemptive power of art.” –Directors Isabel Peppard and Josie Hess
Morgana co-directors Isabel Peppard and Josie Hess first met in 2013 at a punk gig in inner city Melbourne, and over beers, rants about the film industry and smashing the patriarchy, a friendship and collaboration was born.
The making of this film spanned five years, which led the team from the suburbs of rural Victoria, Australia to the BDSM clubs of Berlin and beyond.
“I chose not to be shamed by society’s expectation that I should just fade into the background after my divorce.” -MORGANA MUSES
One of the most artfully crafted and inspiring documentary films I have ever seen – absolutely a must see! – Annie Sprinkle, Porn Star and Performance Artist
Official Selection Fantasia Film Festival 2020
Screening Digitally August 20 – Sept 2
Directed by Isabel Peppard + Josie Hess
Produced by Karina Astrup
