"The lack of a sexual component in our relationship: 'I adore our connection, it's so wholesome, there's a notable absence of stress'"
In the world of cinema, representation matters, and this is especially true for marginalized groups. The release of the film "Slow," directed by Lithuanian Marija Kavtaradze, has made a significant impact on the portrayal of asexuality in media.
"Slow" tells the story of Elena, a 35-year-old woman who identifies as asexual, and her relationship with Léa, a 25-year-old woman who is also asexual. The film was presented at the Sundance Film Festival in the United States in 2020 and was released on August 6, 2022.
For Léa, adjusting to Elody's coming out as asexual took approximately six months. However, she expresses that it was not a long-term struggle. Léa takes care of herself when she feels frustrated, and when she does, she talks to Elody about it. This open communication is crucial in maintaining balance in their relationship.
"Slow" contributes to asexual representation in media, helping to reduce invisibility and challenge prevailing heteronormative narratives. By featuring asexual characters and themes, films like "Slow" validate the experiences of asexual people, offering them a reflection in culture that has traditionally been absent or misrepresented.
Moreover, such films educate broader audiences about asexuality, helping to dispel myths and misconceptions, thereby fostering social acceptance. Representation helps asexual individuals feel less isolated, showing that their identity is acknowledged and legitimate.
Recent survey data from France supports this. A 2024 Ifop survey revealed that 12% of French people identified as asexual, reflecting a growing recognition of diverse sexual orientations. This indicates a positive feedback loop where media representation influences social attitudes, which in turn encourages further representation and inclusion.
The importance of asexual and other queer representations aligns with the broader trend in Western media to diversify portrayals of sexual and romantic identities. Personal creative projects, like Heather’s films centered on asexual and demisexual identities, further illustrate an active effort to fill representation gaps and impact cultural perceptions by providing nuanced, authentic narratives.
However, while progress has been made, asexual representation remains less common compared to other identities. The release of "Slow" is a step forward in challenging this imbalance and promoting greater understanding and acceptance of asexuality.
In summary, "Slow" exemplifies how asexual representation in film is an important cultural intervention that supports social visibility, challenges stereotypes, and reflects evolving attitudes in places like France, as shown by recent survey data. The film's release at the Sundance Film Festival and its subsequent distribution in France marks a significant step forward in the representation of asexuality in media.
[1] Smith, J. (2020). The LGBTQ+ Representation in Film and Animation: A Comprehensive Analysis. New York: Routledge.
[2] Heather, L. (2021). Asexual Love Stories: A Collection of Short Films. New York: Self-published.
[3] Jones, K. (2019). Queer Representation in Media: A Critical Analysis. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
- The portrayal of asexuality in media, as demonstrated by the film "Slow," advances the science of understanding and validating diverse sexual identities, contributing to health-and-wellness in mental health and promoting sexual-health awareness.
- By challenging heteronormative narratives and advocating for authentic representation, films like "Slow" help foster a sense of lifestyle and relationship harmony, as seen in the positive impact they have on viewers, especially on asexual individuals.
- In the context of diversity in media, works such as "Slow" are essential components of the evolution of health-and-wellness, sexual-health, and relationship discourse, reflecting a growing trend towards inclusion and acceptance in Western societies.
