Logline

On the brink of her breakthrough exhibition, male erotica photographer Lucy develops a debilitating obsession with a D-list actor who looks just like her.

Why We Need Your Support

Your contribution directly supports emerging voices in film by funding a project created by and for women in the industry. As a student production, Sweet Tooth represents an important opportunity for young filmmakers to tell bold and challenging stories and gain the professional experience needed to thrive in an often male-dominated field. Every donation helps us cover essential costs while carving out space for female-driven narratives to be heard and celebrated.

About the Film

Sweet Tooth explores the ways in which the patriarchy shapes both women’s artistic expression and their personal relationships, revealing how the two are inextricably linked. Lucy’s art is overshadowed by the very men she captures, mirroring how her relationships play out: she creates, they take. The film examines the frustration of being both the artist and the object, the author and the afterthought, as Lucy’s work is continuously defined by the men she depicts rather than by her own creative autonomy. By positioning a man as the muse and flipping the historical norm of women as passive subjects, it forces the question: does power truly shift when the roles are reversed, or is the artist still trapped within the structures that dictate how we perceive gender? Sweet Tooth doesn’t just challenge the male gaze, but it turns it inside out and dissects what it means to create in a world that insists on defining women by the men around them.

As an artist, I inexplicably have grown a fascination with the luxury of being a man. A fascination accompanied by a deep-seated and unexplainable jealousy. Alfred Adler’s psychological theory of Masculine Protest is a concept referring to a subconscious or conscious reaction against feelings of inferiority, particularly in relation to the traditional gender role of women. It often manifests as a woman’s rejection of perceived weakness and an exaggerated pursuit of power, dominance, or independence through embodying stereotypically masculine characteristics. Upon discovering this theory, I immediately felt a sense of connection. This is how our main character, Lucy, interacts with the world. But can you truly invert the male gaze and flip the script while still inescapably participating in it?

Director’s Note

From an early age, I was taught, like so many women, that desire was to be repressed, it was shameful. Women are conditioned to believe that wanting is improper. Shame and desire have long been intertwined for women, with sexual feelings often treated as something to be hidden. It’s a silent and suffocating expectation: be desirable, but don’t desire. Sweet Tooth is a rebellion against that. It refuses to sanitize Lucy’s perspective, allowing her to view men in a sexual light without guilt. Her gaze is not passive, but it is direct and unashamed. By showcasing female desire without apology, Sweet Tooth rejects the idea that attraction is something women must endure quietly. Shedding this light on women, as well as sexuality in general, is something I have long been passionate about.

For the past three years, I have worked as an Intimacy Coordinator, ensuring that actors feel safe and supported while bringing emotionally intense narratives to life. My approach prioritizes clear communication, consent-based choreography, and a deep understanding of character dynamics to ensure that intimate scenes serve the story without compromising the well-being of those involved. This experience has deeply influenced my creative process. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of Intimacy Coordinators on set, even in projects that do not include simulated sex scenes. Intimacy coordination is not just about choreography for explicit moments, but rather it’s about fostering a safe, communicative, and respectful environment where actors feel empowered to explore vulnerability without discomfort and with complete consent.

In Sweet Tooth, while the subject matter touches on themes of desire, obsession, and power dynamics, the focus is mainly on emotional intimacy and nuanced physicality rather than explicit content. However, ensuring that actors have clear boundaries and support is crucial in portraying these dynamics authentically. My experience as an Intimacy Coordinator informs my approach to storytelling which should always be handled with care and intention. To uphold these standards, I will ensure that multiple Intimacy Coordinators are present on set at all times to provide support for the cast and crew.