Candida Royalle Doc 'Candice' Sets Film Fest Premiere

Candida Royalle Doc 'Candice' Sets Film Fest Premiere

VANCOUVER — “Candice,” the much-anticipated documentary chronicling the life and career of Candida Royalle, the late feminist filmmaker and erotica pioneer, will have its film festival world premiere later this month.

“Candice,” directed by Sheona McDonald, will screen Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 12, at the DOXA Documentary Film Festival in Vancouver. The film “goes beyond the headlines to craft a layered portrait of the woman behind the icon, capturing [Royalle] in her sixties when, confronted with an ovarian cancer diagnosis, she is eager to tell her story in her words and to confront questions that have haunted her since childhood,” said a festival rep. “ ‘Candice’ is ultimately a tribute to a resilient woman who unapologetically carved her own path. The dialogue she brought forward on sex positivity and women’s sexual autonomy echoes far beyond the adult film industry."

Selina Crammond, DOXA’s director of programming, spoke to the Vancouver Sun about McDonald’s efforts to create a personalized story of a woman who spent years standing in the glare of a spotlight, facing public scrutiny.

"What Sheona managed to do was a build a relationship with her over many years and capture a beautiful look at who she had become and some of her personal challenges and traumas,” said Crammond. “I think it is a really beautiful portrait of a woman worth celebrating."

Royalle’s 1978 film “Hot and Saucy Pizza Girls,” the doc reveals, was among the first to use the pizza-delivery trope. However, Royalle — born Candice Vadala — realized “the patriarchy of porn could be challenged,” writes the Sun, “and soon she put her focus on producing movies rather than starring in them.” The result was Femme Productions, founded in 1984.

The “feminist porn” concept kept Royalle in the headlines for decades, but McDonald was determined to dig deeper with her film despite a shoestring budget of $70,000.  “I think she is interesting to talk about because there is a lot there. I think it’s a complicated subject,” said McDonald. “It has four threads and that was part of the challenge and why it took so long. How do you weave these stories? … I kept coming back to the idea that it’s a good story — a story that should be told, so I kept picking it back up.”

Find “Candice” on the DOXA festival website and follow the fest on Twitter. Find McDonald on Twitter here and the "Candice" Twitter handle here. See the film's official poster below.

Images source.

Candice (2019) documentary poster.

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

Taylor Vixxen Stars in Latest From TeamSkeet

Taylor Vixxen stars in a new scene for TeamSkeet, titled “‘Cheat? But It's My Anniversary!’ My Stepmom’s Filthy Secret.”

Andylynn Payne Headlines Latest From TransSensual

Andylynn Payne stars with Cliff Jensen in the second scene from the TransSensual title “TS Doctor’s Office,” titled "Doctor’s Room."

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Jules Jordan

Cubbi Thompson stars with Manuel Ferrara in the latest release from Jules Jordan.

Octokura, Matty Mila Star in Latest From Parasited

Octokura and Matty Mila star in “The One That Excites” from Parasited, directed by Roberto Di Suna.

Dorcel Premieres Casey Calvert's 'Connection'

Multi-XMAs winner Casey Calvert directs “Connection,” the latest release from Dorcel.

Bree Brooks Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Bree Brooks stars with her husband Bob, Jax Slayher, and Sheem in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Katalina Kyle Toplines Jonni Darkko's 'Throat Fucks 9'

Katalina Kyle headlines Jonni Darkko's "Throat Fucks 9," from Evil Angel.

Elegant Angel Drops Final Installment of 'Lilly Loves Girls'

Elegant Angel has released the final installment of 2025 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell's showcase “Lilly Loves Girls,” titled “Lilly Loves Vanna.”

Adult Time Drops Latest Installment of Jim Powers' 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload."

Ivy Lebelle Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Ricky's Room contract star Ivy Lebelle stars in the studio's latest release, titled "Latex And Lust."

Show More