Petra Joy is a renowned filmmaker, celebrated for her work in providing a female perspective on pornography and sexuality. Her academic background is marked by a master's degree in Film History from the University of Cologne, where she wrote her thesis on the representation of female sexuality in Nazi films.
Following her graduation, Joy relocated to England, where she spent a decade working as a freelance producer and director for over 70 documentaries on German television. This extensive experience laid the foundation for her future endeavors, which would focus primarily on sexuality from a female perspective.
In 1990, Joy shifted her focus to exploring sexuality from a female perspective, and in 1992, she began producing segments for a program about sex that aired on the German satellite station. This marked the beginning of her journey in creating content that catered to women's sexuality.
In 2003, Joy founded a film production company, which allowed her to produce her first alternative pornographic film for women the following year. Her innovative approach to pornography continued to evolve, and in 2009, she established the Petra Joy Award, an international erotic film competition for first-time female directors.
In addition to her film work, Joy runs "how to make your own creative porn" workshops and delivers lectures on the subject of women and pornography across Europe. Her commitment to promoting a feminist perspective on sexuality has led her to curate and produce a feminist porn series called Her Porn.
Furthermore, Joy has also shot a documentary titled The Joy of Porn: My Life as a Feminist Pornographer, which provides a glimpse into her experiences as a feminist filmmaker. Throughout her career, Joy has remained dedicated to challenging traditional notions of sexuality and pornography, and her work continues to inspire and empower women around the world.
