Earlier this week, we learned from the City Paper that anonymous grumps in Dormont complained so borough officials invoked an archaic law to ban the showing of “The Hump Tour” at the Hollywood Theater. Apparently, five minute dirty movies aren’t Dormont’s idea of a good time.
Naftal says screening the festival would involve “multiple violations” of zoning regulations. According to section 210-62 of the borough code, “adult businesses” must feature the classic “peep show” format, with individual viewing booths, and be 500 feet from a church or school. The former Dormont Presbyterian Church, which now houses an interdenominational Christian church, is just across Potomac Avenue.
Naftal says that a two-evening engagement with Hump is enough to reclassify the Hollywood, Dormont’s refurbished 1920s-era community theater, as an “adult business.”
“If they show adult movies, they’re an adult business,” he says. “The code is very specific and the theater didn’t argue.” When asked if that reasoning could be applied to other controversial films a theater might show, Naftal retorts, “There is a difference between homemade sex movies, which is what this was advertised to be, and Last Tango in Paris.”
This lesbian finds it very suspicious that something associated with Dan Savage draws attention without believing that it is homophobia. What do you think? Plain old prudity or just Dormont rejecting queer-friendly hipster status?
The good news? The show will go on … in Lawrenceville at The Row House Theater. And we’ve got two sets of passes to give away. ‘The Hump Tour’ shows Friday at 9 PM, Sat at 5, 7 and 9 and Sun at 5, 7 and 9. You can buy tickets here.
Since 2005 the HUMP! Erotic Film Festival has challenged ordinary people from all over the Pacific Northwest to become temporary, weekend porn stars-by making their very own five-minute dirty movies for a chance to win big cash prizes! And they did not disappoint! The resulting short films run the gamut of sexual styles: straight, gay, lesbian, transgender… every color in the sexual rainbow… and some we never knew existed. HUMP! films are funny, thought-provoking, sad, artistic, outrageous, and almost overwhelmingly sexy-because they’re real. And they’re real because they were created and performed by sex-positive people, just like YOU. That’s why we’re bringing the very best of HUMP! to Pittsburgh! See 15 of the hottest HUMP films in action… they’ll make you laugh, squeal, and marvel at the broad (and creative) range of human sexuality. It’s HUMP! Tour 2014! And you’re going to have a blast.
To enter:
1. Leave a comment below using Disqus. Make sure you connect your Disqus profile to Twitter, FB or email so we can reach you if you win.
2. We will draw 2 winners for 2 passes each on Wednesday night (June 11.) You’ll have 24 hours to get back to us. Passes will be at the “will call” so you must have photo ID.
Good luck! And good for Lawrenceville.
ps – trailer is borderline NSFW because of nudity
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Awesome news! I’m especially interested to see how trans folks are represented. The community needs more trans positive porn, not just trans fetish porn.
So glad to see that The Row House Theater was available to provide a home for this film!
Too bad about the Hollywood Theater, but I think due to that this is receiving even more publicity! Good the Row House for stepping up.
So glad this is back on!
Sue, Thank you for bringing this to our attention, I’m glad the show is going to continue.
Yes, very glad that the Row House at least made sure that Pittsburgh could go Humping like the adults that we are. Real regrets extended to the Dormontis.
This is so awesome! not only to have this come to Pittsburgh, but the offer of free tickets or a car! wow!
I’m sorry to hear that the Hollywood Theater got some heat over this but I’m happy the new theater in my neighborhood is able and excited about showing films like these.