SAN FRANCISCO – Kink, an independent documentary about BDSM studio Kink.com, debuted on Netflix this week. The film goes behind the scenes inside Kink’s infamous castle — the former San Francisco Armory — and talks with stars, directors, producers and Kink.com founder Peter Acworth about the films they make and BDSM itself. Screened at Sundance in 2013 to rave reviews, Kink premiered in theaters last summer.
Directed by Christina Voros and produced by actor-director James Franco, Kink offers and unexpurgated look at the world’s largest producer of fetish entertainment. The documentary team received unprecedented access to the facilities, including sets, casting sessions, business meetings and other internal workings at the company. The result is a frank look a world often misunderstood by those outside the Armory walls.
In a January 2013 column for Huffington Post, Acworth explained his rationale for participating in the project.
“Kink.com’s mission statement is ‘to demystify and celebrate alternative sexualities,’ and in service of that mission, we have always taken a certain pride in the way we do business,” Acworth wrote. “We have an open-door policy and have never shied away from scrutiny; we host public tours of our Armory daily, conduct sexual education workshops and provide community forums…
“Generally speaking, when people see us as a company and community first hand, any fear or misconception is resolved, and they leave with a better understanding of what we are about and what motivates us,” he added.
While the film had a limited theatrical run, the Netflix deal is the first time many fans will gain immediate access to the film.
