“How to Have Sex” interview with the director Molly Manning Walker

January 31, 2024

Navigating Consent: Molly Manning Walker's bold take on teenage experiences in her first feature film.

"How to Have Sex" interview with the director Molly Manning Walker Federica Scarpa

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At the Cannes Film Festival, we had an insightful conversation with the talented filmmaker Molly Manning Walker about her feature debut, “How To Have Sex.” In this interview, Walker shared her ambitious vision for the film, aiming to capture the highs and lows of teenage experiences, mainly focusing on the nuanced aspects of sexual assault and the importance of consent.

Capturing the Essence

Walker emphasized that “How To Have Sex” goes beyond the conventional narrative surrounding sexual assault. It explores the complexities of consent with fluid language, challenging the often silent and uncomfortable nature of discussing these experiences. The film also sheds light on teenage spaces and parties’ joys and resilience that can emerge from such challenging situations.

Unveiling the inspiration

The inspiration for “How To Have Sex”, as the director herself confesses to us, comes from her personal experiences and those of the people she knows. These experiences became the beating heart of the film, shaping a story that delves into the influence of sexual pressure on young people’s lives.

A Conversation Starter

Walker wants “How To Have Sex” to spark conversations, especially among teenagers. By addressing both the exhilarating and challenging moments of adolescence, the film aims to encourage open discussions about consent, friendship, and the often-shamed aspects of sexual experiences.

“How To Have Sex”, winner of the 2023 Un Certain Regard Award, is not just a film but a catalyst for change. With her first feature film, Molly Manning Walker invites audiences to revisit the tumultuous journey of adolescence, highlighting the importance of conversations that go beyond the surface, exploring female pleasure, and redefining expectations around consent.

“How To Have Sex” is available on MUBI.

Plot

It’s supposed to be the best summer ever. Tara, Skye and Em touch down on the Greek party resort of Malia for the vacation to end all vacations, the girls trip every British teenager ticks off at the cusp of adulthood. Tara, the last remaining virgin, is on a mission to change that: and her best friends are causing chaos right alongside her. The 16-year-old drinks and dances her way through the strip – with all its messy bars and grimy nightclubs – until she meets a couple of boys on the neighboring hotel balcony who she hopes might give her a summer to remember.
Making her debut feature with a vibrant, compassionate look at sex, friendship, consent and the sweet smell of a boozy sunburned summer holiday, director and cinematographer Molly Manning Walker (Scrapper, Good Thanks, You?) paints an exhilarating, moving, and painfully familiar portrait of young adulthood.

Written by: Federica Scarpa

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