"A fascinating study in the dynamics of power and control." - POV. In the summer of 1973, radical Mexican social anthropologist Santiago Genovés recruited five men and six women for a 101-day scientific sea-adventure, drifting on a small raft across the Atlantic, in a social experiment meant to explore the origins of violence and the dynamics of sexual attraction. The eleven members of the crew were handpicked from around the world with the aim of mixing religion, gender and nationality to maximize friction on board. Genovés called the expedition a ' Peace Project' but it did not take long for the international press to rename it 'The Sex Raft.' Genovés had hoped to report on his human guinea pigs, telling tales of orgies and violent conflicts, but the outcome was very different, with the group slowly turning against him instead of each other... Along with the original 16mm footage of the trip, the surviving members of 'The Acali Expedition' reunite on board a reconstruction of the raft and tell the hidden story behind what has been described as "one of the strangest group experiments of all time."
"A film rippling with insights into identity politics and humanity under pressure." -The List
"The surprisingly short leap from radical academic study to lurid exploitation is navigated with wit, sensitivity and rueful social awareness." -Variety
"An extraordinary demonstration of the human spirit - including sex, furious arguments and deep friendship." -Daily Beast
"An absorbing portrait of a bold (or foolhardy) historical experiment that hits many of today's hot-button topics, dominated by a compelling and complex central figure." -Empire
***Please note that NO OUTSIDE DRINKS OR FOOD are allowed inside Richards' Goat Tavern & The Miniplex for legal reasons and violators of this rule may be banned from the theatre permanently. Cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, popcorn, and cookies are available at the bar. If you are interested in one of our hot food specials, please show up at least 30 minutes early to finish it in the bar area, as hot food and glass is not allowed inside the dark theatre for your safety. Thank you, see you at the movies!
***If you have a free Miniplex movie ticket and want to be sure you get a seat, please show up EARLY and exchange it for a ticket from the bartender/cashier in Richards' Goat Tavern. Thank you!