Film Lens
Scarlet Road is a documentary about Rachel Wotton, an Australian sex worker in New South Wales, where prostitution is decriminalised. The film focuses on her work with clients who have disabilities and the formation of the Touching Base Committee, which aims to provide commercial sex for people with special needs. Wotton collaborates with other sex workers and organizations to ensure that sex workers receive the necessary training to support these clients.
Directed by Catherine Scott and produced by Pat Fiske, the documentary premiered at the Sydney Film Festival on June 11, 2011. Wotton's motivation for participating in the film was to challenge societal perceptions of people with disabilities and to emphasize their sexuality as an important aspect of their identity. The film was completed over three years and was well-received, being nominated for the 2011 Walkley Documentary Award and winning the people's choice award at the 10th Oceania Film Festival in 2013.
Why Watch
- •Meet Rachel Wotton, a pioneering sex worker.
- •Find out about the Touching Base Committee's work.
- •See the film's impact on societal views of disability.
Did You Know
•Rachel Wotton is a member of Scarlet Alliance, the Australian Sex Workers' Association.
•The Touching Base Committee was formed in late 2000 to support clients with disabilities.
•Scarlet Road was a finalist for the 2011 Walkley Documentary Award.
•The film premiered at the Sydney Film Festival on June 11, 2011.
Perfect For
Disability rights advocatesSex work discussionsDocumentary enthusiasts