If Khan Academy needed a sex educator for hire, they need not look any further than Alex Liu's “A Sexplanation.” This short and sweet 80-minute documentary explores the ins and outs of sex education in the United States. Funded by the International Documentary Association and winner of multiple audience awards, this movie is now playing at the Asian American International Film Festival in New York this year.
A Sexplanation is screening at Asian American International Film Festival
In “A Sexplanation,” Liu takes his audience on a road trip across the US. He starts at his homeground in San Francisco, beginning with awkward conversations with his family and friends. As his project expands and his curiosity grows, Liu travels to Montreal, Utah, and even Indiana to talk to sex educators at non-profits, conservative politicians and rallies, neuroscientists, and more. At each pit stop, Liu refreshes the audience with his own personal reflections. He addresses both his apprehensions and takeaways. And, at each stopover, we see not just how multifaceted the American sex ed debate is, but how Liu too comes to accept himself over time.
Surprisingly, “A Sexplanation” drops any pretense of objectivity. Prior to each interaction with a sex expert, Liu openly acknowledges his positionality. He openly highlights over and over again that he is a thirty-six year old gay Asian man hailing from San Francisco, and many of his opinions are defined by his own biography. This bald honesty feels especially poignant in today's America. When everything – even puberty – is pulled apart by political parties left and right, Liu's subjectivity seems to matter all the more. Hence, when Liu tackles more conservative approaches towards sex education, he feels less haughty than he does curious. This likewise accounts for his visible sense of comfort with more left-leaning educators. He aptly captures the attitude of a humble student instead of that of a director throughout the film — giving the film its subtle charm.
Liu's vulnerability likewise reveals his own courage. Considering Liu's admitted history of internalized shame, religious angst, and even suicidal thoughts, it's impressive to see him confront his own fears. For example, when Liu visits a Father (Donal Godfrey) at the local Catholic Jesuit church, his own anxiety is palpable – but not destructive. His continual personal touch humanizes the expert opinion delivered throughout the film.
Animated bits also spice up “A Sexplanation,” entertaining the eye every now and then. Numbers and long lists manifest on-screen as bursts of color, making it easier for the viewer to process information. The occasional doodle-like animatic gives the documentary an extra educational flair. In this way, Liu does an excellent job of using animation not to distract, but to assist presenting his interviewees' hard data.
All in all, “A Sexplanation” poses as not just a journey, but as a model for research. It shows how one small question can fan out into full exploration; it reveals how something so objective can at once be so personal. Informative, incisive, and intriguing, “A Sexplanation” is an apt response to the politicized body of our times.
“A Sexplanation” was produced by Herra Productions.
