THE FLAMINGO

In her late sixties, Mary Phillips boldly seeks pleasure; attending dungeon parties, engaging in intimacy with strangers through her BDSM practice. The Flamingo is more than just a coming-out story; it’s a deep dive into Mary’s world, where she offers healing touch and guidance to others, challenges society’s notions of aging and female sexuality, and explores the complexities of intimacy and self-embodiment. Over glasses of pink lemonade, by the bonfire, and in the most vulnerable moments, Mary’s joie de vivre and compassion shine through, even as she navigates the uncertainties of finding love on her terms. Shot in an observational style, the film ultimately offers a new way of seeing, processing, and understanding the experience of aging with pleasure.

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running time: 78 min

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FOR INQUIRIES CONTACT

Adam Sekuler asekuler@umich.edu

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​​​PRESS QUOTES

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"As playful as it is touching, the film demystifies the subculture that Phillips has embraced while not shying away from the graphic (if somehow never untasteful) particulars of her various carnal, emotional and psychological practices—which also include therapeutic non-sexual physical contact. With its expansive spirit, The Flamingo argues that we can save the world one soulful hug (or properly attenuated flogging) at a time."

-  Filmmaker Magazine

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"The film is quite frank but also oddly sweet in its insistence that there’s more than one way to conquer loneliness." - Star Tribune

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"I found myself so charmed by Mary Phillips... down to earth, kind, spiritual and practical," - MINN POST

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"Intimate, quirky, touching. the visual style is also really special - reminiscent of Ulrich Seidl's In the Basement (Im Keller), but with more charisma." - Jenny Jo Letterboxd

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Listen to Mary on Sadie's Divorced and Happy Podcast