“An astonishing and illuminating insight into a part of society that is often hidden. Through the character of Rachel we are taken on a journey about sexuality and disability that is surprising, funny, moving, informative and confronting. The filmmaker takes us into areas of human intimacy with fearlessness, compassion and sensitivity.” – from the Walkley Award judge’s comments

Impassioned about freedom of sexual expression, Australian sex worker Rachel Wotton works with many clients who have disabilities. Her work has become the subject of the latest documentary from award-winning director Catherine Scott and producer Pat Fiske, Scarlet Road.  Filmed over a three year period, Scarlet Road follows Rachel in her relationship with John, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 26 years ago, and Mark, a client with cerebral palsy and reveals the therapeutic aspects of human touch and sexual intimacy. This unique documentary gives voice to two men generously sharing moments of sexual self-discovery.

“People with disability are not seen as sexual beings and on the other hand sex workers are often portrayed as oversexed, victims or damaged goods. I really wanted to tackle these stereotypes head on,” says Scott who filmed Rachel for over 3 years. ”It was a delicate balance. I wanted to show the touch and intimacy, without objectifying Rachel or her clients and reveal the sexual tenderness without titillating or shocking the audience.

Scarlet Road shows Rachel in her daily life and follows her on a journey to the UK, Denmark and Sweden, where she meets with sex workers, people with disabilities and their families, as well as making quite an impression as a speaker at the World Congress for Sexual Health.

In addition to undertaking a Masters in Sexual Health at the University of Sydney, Rachel is an active campaigner for the rights of sex workers. She co-founded the charitable organisation Touching Base to connect people with disabilities and sex workers – focusing on access, discrimination, human rights, legal issues and the social stigma that these two marginalised communities can face. One of Rachel’s dreams is to raise enough money to set up Touching Base in every state and territory in Australia – and then the world.

The winner for Best Documentary will be announced at the Walkley Awards annual gala dinner in Brisbane on 27 November.

Scarlet Road premiered at the Sydney International Film Festival and was nominated for Best documentary Foxtel award at this event.

Scarlet Road premieres Friday 2 December at 10.05pm on SBS ONE.