In a new kind of promotion, one pornographic film studio is offering free copies of its film, Pirates II, to colleges that request it for public screenings - but so far, Ohio University has not taken them up on the offer.
Christopher Ruth, a publicist for Digital Playground, said that films were being sent to any university that requested them to show in an academic setting to promote discourse on porn and sexuality.
So far more than 50 universities have requested information regarding screenings, including two in Ohio, though OU is not one of them.
Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge is the award-winning sequel to 2005's Pirates, which was called the most expensive porn in history by its producer.
Dr. Joseph Slade, professor of media arts and studies, said he's not surprised that OU hasn't requested a screening. He said while Athens is a center for greater tolerance
the state of Ohio is still pretty conservative, and the word pornography raises red flags for many people.
However, Slade, who is recognized as a leader in the field of pornographic studies, said that academic value can be derived from the viewing of pornography.
Society is saturated in sex in part due to porn Slade said, adding that culture often refreshes itself through fringe trends permeating mainstream society.
While OU hasn't requested a copy of Pirates II for an official screening, pornography has been unofficially screened in residence halls. Slade said sometimes RAs will screen movies (Pirates is a perennial favorite, he said) and invite him to speak beforehand.
Pornography has never been screened in an official setting by Residence Life, said Judy Piercy, director.
Josh Nig-Unit Crafter, a DJ and junior studying audio production, hosted one such viewing in Read Hall in the winter of 2007, though Slade was not invited to speak.
I had always wanted to see Pirates
Crafter said. It was supposed to be the most expensive porno ever produced and visually stunning
so I was interested (in hosting a screening).
Crafter gauged support in the hall and said it was overwhelmingly positive. He estimated 150 people attended over the course of the night.
As for whether OU should screen Pirates II, Crafter said it would be amazing.
OU would be a great place to screen it
Crafter said. I'm not sure how it can be seen in an academic setting
but I'd be very interested in seeing it.
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Culture
Andy Brownfield
