Sex in the time of digitisation

Filmmaker Paromita Vohra considers the Internet to be a platform for creative expression. She believes that by using digital forms of communication like memes, podcasts, gifs, the Internet can become a stage for art and creativity.

Paromita set up her online project, Agents of Ishq, in December last year. She wanted the website to create a positive environment, enabling people to speak about the different aspects of sex. The filmmaker has turned the website into a safe haven, where the finer nuances of sex are discussed, using creative and innovative mediums. Using videos, audio files and cartoon drawings busies the negativity and shame that comes with sex, she believes. “If we talk about sex in a comfortable environment, it automatically creates a relaxed feeling when talking about it. It’s not whether or not you talk about sex, it’s how you talk about it—that’s important.”

The filmmaker will talk about the endless possibilities of the Internet as a creative medium, and her own experiences with her multimedia project at the upcoming session of Mumbai Local, today. She says, “The digital platform is a language — it’s a way of speaking. Internet is being used to not only communicate information but also create a feeling.”

“On the Internet, there is a lot more co-creation than in other forms of art,” says Vohra. In fact, many of the collaborators of the Agents of Ishq website are readers and audiences who come up with ideas or topics. “I wouldn’t call it feedback. What we are doing is having conversations. The audience responds and you build together.”

Today, 5 pm onwards At MCubed Library. Princess Bldg, Ground Floor, D’Monte Park Road, Next to Bandra Gymkhana, Bandra (W) To pre-register send an email to mumbailocal@junoontheatre.org