UC Davis to Receive Proceeds From Assence's Sasha Grey Film

LOS ANGELES — The University of California, Davis has issued a letter to Assence Films informing company owner Mike Kulich that the institute would be “delighted” to receive the rejected donation offer made earlier this month by the upstart studio to the National Education Association in the name of Sasha Grey.

Dr. Darrell Y. Hamamoto, professor and director for the University’s Popular Culture Institute, wrote, “While a much smaller education entity when compared to the super-lobby impact of the NEA, the Popular Culture Institute at the University of California, Davis would be delighted to receive a modest grant from Mr. Mike Kulich of Assence Films in support of 'sexually-positive media culture.'”

Assence Films’ offer to donate part of the proceeds from sales of its gonzo title “Anal Artists,” starring Grey, to the NEA’s “Read Across America” campaign was made on the heels of an NEA publicity scandal that found Grey, one of the adult industry’s most hardcore performers who is now retired, reading to students at Compton, Calif. elementary school.  

“In receiving Mr. Hamamoto’s letter, I was truly humbled in what he had to say regarding our donation offer,” Kulich told XBIZ. “After reading a little bit about him, I was extremely impressed by his views on the desexualization of the Asian-American male in the media and his alternative approach to education by producing adult movies as research.”

In 2003, Dr. Hamamoto produced a 50-minute adult film titled “Skin On Skin” with an all-Asian cast to promote the sexual empowerment of Asian people.

Kulich said he will take the donation offer refused by the NEA and give it instead to the Popular Culture Institute at the UC Davis. “Absolutely. We will,” Kulich said. “I’ve called Dr. Hamamoto and am awaiting his call.”

Considering the sales boost “Anal Artists” has received from the national exposure this story has generated, that donation could be quite considerable.

Assence Films is distributed by Exile Distribution.

Copyright © 2024 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

TeamSkeet Launches New Travel-Themed Series 'Passport Bros'

Italian star Silvia Soprano and Don Mulatito star in the first episode of the new travel-themed TeamSkeet series, "Passport Bros."

Jasmine Sherni Makes Her Jules Jordan Debut

Jasmine Sherni has made her Jules Jordan debut alongside Lexington Steele in the studio's latest release.

Richard Mann Drops New Evil Angel Scene With Simone Steele

Simone Steele makes her Evil Angel debut in a new gangbang scene, alongside director/performer Richard Mann.

Octokuro Shapeshifts Into Cosplay Queen

Octokuro’s life has been intertwined with creativity for as long as she can remember. She credits her hobby of making collectible toys for eventually leading her to explore the world of cosplay.

GenderX Drops 'Trans Orgy'

GenderX has released its latest scene, “Trans Orgy,” directed by Jim Powers.

Dolly Dyson Stars in Latest From Immoral Productions

Dolly Dyson makes her Immoral Productions debut and performs her first DP in a new trilogy alongside Brad Knight, Matt Bird and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

Rebel Lynn Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Rebel Lynn stars with Jay Romero in the latest release from New Sensations.

Raven Lane Makes Her Blacked Raw Debut

Raven Lane has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw, alongside Coach Cardher.

Anna Claire Clouds Headlines 'Catfished 5' From Sweet Sinner

Anna Claire Clouds toplines “Catfished 5,” the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Failed Film Festival Returns to LA

The Failed Film Festival is returning to Los Angeles, taking place Saturday at Media Pollution.

Show More