Ninja Thyberg’s debut feature film PLEASURE is a journey into the Los Angeles porn industry through the lens of newcomer Bella Cherry (Sofia Kappel). A strong, self-confident and determined, Bella leaves behind her small Swedish town and embarks on a mission to become the best adult performer at any cost. PLEASURE was written and directed by Ninja Thyberg and showcases a forthright and fearless performance by Kappel.  PLEASURE also features an ensemble of well known adult industry actors. Director Ninja Thyberg (Pleasure (short), Catwalk) joins us for a conversation on the place porn occupies in our public and personal space, the predominance of a male perspective in commercial pornography, the power dynamics that track Bella’s journey through porn’s titular capital, the San Fernando Valley and the celebration of personal sexual pleasure. 

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For updates and screenings go to: neonrated.com/films/pleasure

2021 Sundance Film Festival Nominated,

Grand Jury Prize World Cinema – Ninja Thyberg

2022 Independent Spirit Award

Nominated, Best Director – Ninja Thyberg

About the filmmaker – Writer / Director  Ninja Thyberg graduated from the Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2015. Her short film Pleasure (2013) played at the Sundance Film Festival and received the Canal Plus Award at Cannes Film Festival Critics’ Week. The short Hot Chicks (2014) won the 1km Film Award at the Stockholm International Film Festival, and the short Catwalk (2015) received the Student Visionary Award at Tribeca Film Festival. Stallion played at the Stockholm Film Festival in 2015. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

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88% on RottenTomatoes

“An arresting workplace drama-meets-bildungsroman that demystifies the adult film industry without flat-out demonizing it – a delicate balance to strike.” – Aisha Harris, NPR

“If you’re curious what a feminist take on this world looks like, “Pleasure” might surprise you as much as it did me.” – Manohla Dargis,

“Nothing is that unfamiliar in the plot of Pleasure, but Thyberg, who hails from Sweden, approaches her subject with such a clinical gaze that it’s hard to shake the feeling that she’s doing something revolutionary” – Esther Zuckerman,

“Ninja Thyberg’s film makes a powerful statement about gender dynamics in the workplace, and the blurred lines of consent even in the post MeToo era.” – Natasha Alvar, Cultured Vultures

“A frank and difficult watch that tackles the adult film industry. Spontaneous and engaging. Kappel is fantastic in a role that requires a range of emotions.” – Nathaniel Muir, AIPT