Take an intimate journey with the teen documentary series Blozende Oortjes in which twenty fearless young people speak out about the raw, unfiltered aspects of the first time, falling in love, sexuality and everything that comes with it. The teenagers share their own experiences with dating, sexting and inappropriate behavior in an honest and vulnerable manner. In six episodes they go beyond the well-known shame and taboos and, together with director Sophie Dros, investigate the current state of sex education. Blushing Ears proves that talking about sex can not only be important, but also fun and liberating.—Olivia Sophie van Leeuwen
Blozende Oortjes is a thought-provoking documentary series (6x15') by director Sophie Dros, in which a diverse group of twenty curious and brave teenagers (ages 13-18) discuss intimate topics such as the "first time", sexting, gender identity, love, sexually transgressive behavior, education anno nowadays and everything that comes along with it. Together they explore questions such as "what is consent?" and "how do you indicate where your boundaries are?" through personal experiences, opinions and prejudices. They go beyond shame and taboos. From diverse experiences - some have never kissed before and others kiss as much as they can - they navigate their desires and needs together.
The sex-positive approach and energy of the series are contagious. Before and behind the scenes, the teens help think about the topics, sets and scenes. Using gummy bears, they reenact how to ask for consent, talk backstage about topics such as how you sometimes overstep your own boundaries, or they reenact an uncomfortable information session at school. The teens give a glimpse into their experience where exposing nude photos is a quintessential fear, unwanted dickpics in your DM is a normal occurrence and lesbian girls are still taught to put a condom on a banana in front of the class. The teens share their knowledge, provide alternatives and tips, and inspire each other and the viewer to listen to your gut and body.
This generation has an urgent need for positive and inclusive sex education that does not focus on the biological aspects but rather on the behaviors and feelings involved. Education that takes into account different genders - because it is still predominantly heteronormative - and in which the generation itself has its say, because they know very well what they need. They show how fun and educational it can be to talk about it, and many a parent or teacher can learn something from that.
