Naked Down Under

Three young ladies perform yoga without clothes in the open air of Cyprus. Another does the same in a studio. These visuals are interspersed with images of Eastern art, processed for "psychedelic" effect. The narrator relates the practice of yoga to Buddhist philosophy. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with British Film Institute in 2012.

The lifestyle of certain peoples in Africa, Bali, Samoa and the Hawaiian Islands, among other places, is examined with respect to the idea that physical perfection is the chief result of those lifestyles. Next, "Hesperia," a nudist camp in Oregon, is shown. "Mr. and Mrs. Average Housewife and Worker" arrive at the camp to escape the ills of modern civilization. Although they are at first hesitant and ashamed to participate, when they are shown proof of the advantages of the "back-to-nature" lifestyle, the couple joins in. The average life of an American nudist is depicted, including nudists shown at various jobs and pursuits, such as hewing trees, building houses, writing, painting and sculpting.

This is a "road show" from 1938. There is no director credited. For a few years in the late thirties, "nudist colony" movies were quite popular on the "sexploitation" circuit. Notice that the girls featured with bare breasts are quite attractive, more so than average people who might be in the colony. These are probably models and aspiring actresses brought in for the movie only. As one producer of the time put it, "If you are going to make a nudist colony movie, bring your own nudists" Notice the title. Nudism is a "racket." an indication of the middle class morality which is imposed on all these movies. Also note how they make fun of the fat woman. This is another aspect of these films.

A film that questions our relationship with the naked body and what it means for society. For those that regularly remove their clothes socially, the naked body breaks down barriers, gives back choice and builds a trusting community. Can we learn anything from them?

Der nackte Osten

Documentary about naturism in Canada.

Documentary about naturism by Don Boyd.

Documentary about children who have naturist parents.

The life of Luz del Fuego, her artistic performances and involvement with naturism. One of the great Brazilian feminists and precursor of the Brazilian naturist movement.

A documentary about three nudist women in the LA area.

A documentary comparing and contrasting the origin of the nudist movement with how it is practiced today. The film also offers a look at the making of a nudist movie and a retrospective of nudist films from the 1930s to the 1960s.

Documentary about nudism in the Netherlands.

Documentary which attempts to share the truth around nudism.

Documentary about members of Bare Lake Nudist Club in New York.

In Skin Deep, Palmateer explores her own interpretation of what it means to be free. By stripping down and riding waves in remote and idyllic locations, she undertakes a journey towards uninhibited self-expression.

Dobroslav Chrobák

Hana Zelinová

Documentary about Physiopolis, a naturist camp in France.

Second part to a documentary about naturism in Canada.

Documentary about naturism in the Netherlands.