'The Dilemma of Desire' Exceeds Kickstarter Goal in 8 Days

'The Dilemma of Desire' Exceeds Kickstarter Goal in 8 Days

CHICAGO — “The Dilemma of Desire,” a new film from Peabody Award-winning director Maria Finitzo successfully reached its $40,000 Kickstarter goal in only eight days.

“The Dilemma of Desire” follows a conceptual artist, two scientists and an industrial designer who are using their work to shatter the myths and lies women have been taught about their sexual desire and their bodies. Dedicated to “Cliteracy”— the acknowledgement and understanding that the clitoris is fundamental to the female orgasm — the four women address gender inequality within the realm of sexual desire and pleasure.

More than 280 Kickstarter backers pledged to support the film in return for perks that include the Vesper vibrator, designed by film participant Ti Chang; jewelry and apparel emblazoned with messages such as “Smash the Patriarchy” and “Pleasure for All”; and original artwork by women artists featured in the film. Several limited edition items sold out in the first days of the campaign, which runs until April 22.

The filmmakers have also announced a stretch goal of $10,000 to go towards the incorporation of animation into the feature-long documentary.

“Animation is going to be vital in communicating the stories of the women featured in ‘The Dilemma of Desire,’ Finitzo said. “We wanted to find a way to portray the intimate experiences of our film’s participants with empathy and tact. It’s crucial these experiences are seen and heard. When we don’t talk about something, there’s a feeling of shame around it. And that’s what so often happens around the discussion of sexual desire with women and girls.”

Finitzo and producers Diane Quon (“Minding the Gap”) and Cynthia Kane (Sundance Channel, ITVS, Al Jazeera America), backed by four-time Academy Award-nominated production house Kartemquin Films (“Hoop Dreams”), have assembled a powerhouse group of female collaborators, including Barbara Kopple (Harlan County, USA) as executive producer, Ro*Co Films as global sales agents, and a board of advisors that includes “The Vagina Monologues” creator Eve Ensler, feminist psychologist Carol Gilligan (“In a Different Voice”), and Cynthia Lopez, executive director of New York Women in Film and Television.

"As a longtime filmmaker who has been on the front lines of social justice and equality for all human beings, I'm thrilled to join The Dilemma of Desire team as executive producer,” Kopple said. “I have the highest regards for Maria's bold, intelligent, and courageous directorial style. This film pushes for equality in a way we've never seen and will break new ground in the realm of feminist filmmaking."

Donate to the campaign here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Honey Play Box Debuts 'Tressa' Vibrator

Honey Play Box introduced its new Tressa multi-stimulation, app-enabled vibrator.

Blush Debuts 2 New Glass Plugs From 'Oh My Gem' Collection

Blush has introduced two new glass plugs, Lustre and Prestige, from its Oh My Gem collection.

EP Products Founder Don Wilson Passes Away

Don Wilson, the founder of EP Products and a notable figure in Canada's adult retail community, has passed away.

Orion Debuts 'Your Strap-On' Collection From 'You2Toys' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the Your Strap-On collection from its You2Toys line.

Stephen Colbert Takes Aim at Texas' Crackdown on Sex Toys

Stephen Colbert is cracking up over Texas lawmakers’ crackdown on sex toys in the state.

XR Brands 'Silicone Body Forms' Highlighted at Paris Fashion Week

XR Brands’ Ripped Silicone Male Chest and Perky Pair Silicone Breasts were highlighted at 2025 Paris Fashion Week.

Eye of Love Introduces 'Matchmaker Collection' Planogram

Eye of Love has debuted a new display planogram for its Matchmaker Collection of pheromone-infused scents.

Fleshlight Debuts Taylor Vixxen Stroker

Fleshlight has introduced its new Pro stroker, molded on the anatomy of Taylor Vixxen.

Orion Expands 'LateX' Collection With 2 New Outfits

Orion Wholesale has added two new outfits to its LateX collection of fetish apparel.

Blush Debuts 'Unicorn Dreams' Vibrator

Blush has introduced the new Unicorn Dreams vibrator from its Play With Me collection.

Show More