Educational Media Reviews Online

Saara Alia Waasner’s documentary Frauenzimmer (Silver Girls) is a fascinating portrayal of a seldom-seen side of the sex industry – the “senior” sector. Waasner follows three women who work as prostitutes in Berlin, Germany. Christel, 58, who lives and works out of the apartment she shares with her long-time boyfriend, began working as a prostitute at the age of 51. Contrary to the assumption that older prostitutes cannot afford to be choosy, Christel learns there is a sizeable market for older prostitutes. Karolina, 64, works as a dominatrix and also came to prostitution later in life; she sees her job as a “balancing act between two worlds.” Paula, 49, who has worked in prostitution for 25 years, runs a small bordello while continuing to see clients.

Frauenzimmer explores the connections between the women’s earlier lives, including issues of sexual performance, socioeconomic factors, family influences, and abuse, and their decisions to become prostitutes. Not solely defined by their occupations, these women present intimate portrayals of what it is like to be an older woman in a predominantly younger woman’s industry. The film offers glimpses into how prostitution affects the women’s relationships with family, the psychological impacts it can wield, and the sexual liberation and financial benefits it can provide.

The film is well edited and provides an objective view of this niche in the sex industry. Likely to spark discussion in college courses in human sexuality, gender studies, business, cultural studies, and sociology (among others), Frauenzimmer would also appeal to general audiences and would provide a contrast to other documentaries on prostitution such as Ellen Bruno’s Sacrifice (1999) or Gayle Ferraro’s Anonymously Yours (2002).

Adult themes and language, with brief nudity.

Highly Recommended