Dave Pounder's 'Risky Business' Screens at Hollywood Film Festival

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Dave Pounder’s all-things-adult documentary “Risky Business” screened last Sunday at the Arpa International Film Festival at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, Calif.

The feature-length film used performers’ perspectives to filter major themes currently affecting the industry, including the ongoing debates about mandatory condom usage in porn and mainstream employment discrimination against industry employees.

“It’s really an academic sort of documentary,” Pounder told XBIZ. “It’s very balanced: Michael Weinstein liked it and he’s like the big ‘put condoms in porn’ guy and Larry Walters loved it, and he’s a porn attorney.”

Pounder — a former adult performer, director and producer — recruited some of the most familiar faces in the biz to give their two cents, including Diane Duke, Sunny Leone, Howard Levine and Gregory Piccionelli, who all offered opinions from the vantage point of their diverse expertise.

While the first half focuses on what Pounder calls the “yay” aspects of porn, including fat checks, freedom and travel opportunities, the latter part highlights its hazards, like STD exposure and possible post-industry job discrimination.

The 16-year-old Arpa International Film Festival places a focus on the work of filmmakers who explore the issues of diaspora, exile and multi-culturalism, with a strong emphasis placed on ideals of independent thought, artistic vision, cultural diversity and social understanding. The inclusion of “Risky Business” in the red carpet event seemed to validate the adult business as a culture unto itself, with an equal right to voice its internal social concerns.    

“20 years ago, it probably wouldn’t have gotten into any film festivals,” Pounder said, adding that his documentary has been included in several festivals across the country. “You can see that society is moving towards a more progressive attitude.”

“Risky Business: A Look Inside America’s Adult Film Industry” will screen again in Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Other Venice Film Festival, which is being held at Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291.

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

Tiffani Time Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Newly crowned XMA Creator Awards Rising Clip Creator Tiffani Time stars with her husband Benfit and Jax Slayher in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Karmen Karma Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Karmen Karma stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "A Long Time Cumming."

Cubbi Thompson Makes Her Jules Jordan Debut

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

Seth Gamble Drops Trailer for Upcoming Feature 'Once Upon a Time in the Valley'

Multi-XMAs winner Seth Gamble has released the trailer for his upcoming Wicked Pictures feature, "Once Upon a Time in the Valley."

Ryan Reid Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Ryan Reid stars with Damon Dice in “A Day in the Life,” from Brazzers.

Andylynn Payne Toplines Joey Silvera's 'Trans-Active 30'

Andylynn Payne headlines director Joey Silvera’s “Trans-Active 30” from Evil Angel.

Violet Myers, Megan Faith Star in Latest From Slayed

Reigning XMAs Premium Social Creator of the Year Violet Myers stars with Megan Faith in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Slayed.

Coco Bae Returns to Brazzers

Coco Bae stars with Danny D. in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “The Cock Collector.”

Penthouse Names Kira Shine June's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named model Kira Shine as Pet of the Month for June.

Jade Greene Makes Her Reality Kings Debut

Jade Greene has made her Reality Kings debut alongside multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue in "Ski Boat Skeet."

Show More