The Dilemma of Desire

Film phase:Completed

SYNOPSIS

The Dilemma of Desire explores the work of four women who are shattering myths about female sexual desire, bodies and—ultimately—power. Artist Sophia Wallace with her “cliteracy” project, puts front and center the clitoris as fundamental to female orgasm. Dr. Stacey Dutton, a neuroscientist, is committed to pushing the publishing industry to correct the deliberate omissions of the clitoris in major anatomy textbooks. Dr. Lisa Diamond is dismantling outdated notions about women’s arousal. And industrial designer Ti Chang is dedicated to designing and manufacturing elegant vibrators for women.

Providing the embodiment of this work are the personal stories of Umnia, Becca, Jasmine, Sunny, and Coriama—five young women discovering and owning their sexuality. The Dilemma of Desire is a powerful reminder that true equality will come only when we all arrive at a place of understanding and acknowledgement that women are sexual beings, entitled to live their lives fully within the expression of their desire.

The Dilemma of Desire is a participant of Project: Hatched 2020.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Maria Finitzo faces the camera and looks off to the side. Headshot in Black and White.Maria Finitzo is a two-time Peabody Award-winning filmmaker who has won every major broadcast award including most recently the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for her directing on the series Hard-Earned. She is an associate of four-time Oscar® nominated Kartemquin Film.