DIVA speaks to the director of this intimate exploration of sexuality
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES VIA POISON GmbH
Truth Or Dare (2024) is a bold and deeply intimate exploration of sexuality in all its forms. Shot with unflinching sensitivity, Maja Classen’s evocative film traces the arc of desire, from playful beginnings to raw, uninhibited connection. What starts as a series of games unfolds into a sensual tapestry of bodies, emotions, and unspoken longing. With consent and care at its core, Truth Or Dare is both an erotic charge and a tender meditation on intimacy, capturing the beauty, vulnerability, and electric thrill of human connection.
DIVA spoke to the director Maja Classen ahead of its screening at the BFI Flare.
What inspired you to make this film?
The idea for Truth Or Dare was inspired by the physical distance during the COVID-19 lockdown. I felt loneliness and longing for physical touch, closeness and intimacy. I was afraid that we had lost liberated safe spaces where people could dance, kiss and touch for eternity. So, I went on a quest to find others in Berlin who shared these feelings.
What is the key message you hope LGBTQIA audiences take from Truth Or Dare?
I would like to encourage people to follow their desires, whatever they are. Nothing should be a taboo, as long as it is done mindfully and consensually. Be curious and free, but respect each other’s boundaries at all times. Keep checking if your counterpart is vibing with you all the time. See how sexy consent talk can be.
What is your favourite line or scene from Truth Or Dare?
When you see birds flying together in a flock, there is a loss of control and a loss of ego for the bird who is flying in that majestic way with all the other birds. People go on rollercoasters to feel that loss of control and people sing in choirs, because we want to feel part of something. (Adrienne Teicher in Truth or Dare)
How did you get into filmmaking and what has been your biggest challenge in the industry?
I got into filmmaking about 25 years ago. I fell in love with the magic that happens when people who are passionate and talented about something, also collaborate on it. Some years later I discovered that it is especially documentary filmmaking that I love, because I can start with a question, dive deeply into worlds I hadn’t known before, meet amazing inspiring people and learn something from the process. As a documentary filmmaker you have to have the mind of a crazy researcher and the heart of an artist. My biggest challenge has been to finance my films, especially because they are often daring and quite edgy.
Why is LGBTQIA representation in film so important in 2025?
LGBTQIA representation in film is so important to me, because we are so many. Many still don’t dare to come out. With the far right rising, many get scared. So, visibility and solidarity are now more important than ever. Films have the power to show all facades of humanity that people of all genders, sexual orientations, ages and heritages. We all share, shyness, desire, vulnerability – we all bleed red.
Why are events like BFI Flare which centre LGBTQIA films so important?
Film events like BFI Flare honor and celebrate queer films and community and serve as a safer space.
What do you hope to see in the future of LGBTQIA filmmaking?
In the future of LGBTQIA filmmaking I hope we will survive, strive and make more wonderful films that empower and encourage queer people all over the world. I believe that queer films can help build bridges, open hearts and overcome phobia, hate and shame, so that LGTBTQIAs will one day have equal rights and live in peace all over the globe.
TRUTH OR DARE screens as part of the 39th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival on Saturday 22 March and Sunday 23 March. For more details / tickets here
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