Watch Petals - Journey Into Self-discovery

Petals - Journey into Self Discovery is a remarkable 50-minute documentary that both questions, and then examines, the many unspoken myths about the appearance and nature of women's sexual organs. The essence of a woman's sexuality -- her vulva - has been a taboo subject for cultures locked into fears of our basic physical nature. These deep-seated beliefs directly affect female sexual self-esteem. The movie records the reactions of sex educators, women's health professionals, art critics, female activists, as well as the man/woman-in-the-street as they confront the physical mystery of womanhood.

Photographer Nick Karras has composed intimate images with an unusual visual and emotional sensitivity. The documentary follows his personal journey as he produces a book of artful photographs. The subtle black and white photographs discover the delicate beauty in the infinite variety of female genitals, inspiring a profound sense of wonder and awe. Quite unlike the frenzied exploitation of sexuality common in media presentations, the frank honesty of Petals is intensely revealing. Unforgettable women, some who become guides and teachers in the quest, join in confronting both the current fears and timeless beauty found in a woman's most basic sexual nature.
While recording evolving insights into this sensitive subject, the filmmakers were continually challenged to go more deeply into personal histories of the women interviewed. These stories uncovered both personal trauma and unfamiliar pleasures as forbidden cultural attitudes were unblocked by an honest display of women's genitalia. This lucid documentary by Beck Peacock -- 2008 winner of the Sexual Intelligence Award -- examines the many issues reported by women as they attempt to discover beauty and pride in the most sacred part of themselves.