Sex work is legally decriminalised in Aotearoa New Zealand, yet stigma remains - especially for men. Male Order peels back the layers of an industry rarely seen, offering an intimate and revealing look at the experiences of male sex workers as they navigate intimacy, power, and autonomy.

Through deeply personal accounts, the film challenges preconceptions, explores the motivations behind selling sex, and examines its consequences- both liberating and limiting.

Male Order is a cinematic adaptation of a five-part doco series originally created for New Zealand audiences on TVNZ’s digital platform and Re: News. Retitled, re-edited, and refined, this film offers a standalone experience that sheds light on the complex topic of sex work for a global audience.

In June 2003, New Zealand became the first country in the world to decriminalise sex work, acknowledging prostitution for citizens 18 and over as service work, with the same employment and legal rights given to any other occupational group. The Prostitution Reform Act 2003 explicitly states that sex work must be voluntary, and any cases involving trafficked or underage individuals are considered serious crimes, and not legitimate work.  

Despite New Zealand’s progressive stance on sex work, the profession remains clouded by prejudice, stereotypes, and misconceptions. Discussions on the subject often revolve around ethics and morality rather than recognising sex workers as individuals with rights.

The narrative surrounding young men in sex work differs greatly from that of women, often subjecting them to harsher, uninformed preconceptions and scrutiny. As a result, the lives of male sex workers have rarely been depicted in film. The few documentaries produced over the past two decades have primarily focused on the darker aspects of prostitution, portraying a world of drug abuse, hopelessness, and victimisation. 

However, extensive research and reviews of New Zealand’s decriminalisation model suggest that while sex work is far from easy, it can have positive impacts on those who choose to pursue it.

Male Order seeks to spark a balanced and open discussion, uncovering the realities of a profession often shrouded in controversy and stigma. To enhance authenticity, the filmmakers opted for a natural and intricate sound design, avoiding a musical score to lead the narrative - creating a more immersive, emotionally honest storytelling experience. The only music track appears in the film’s final moments, playing through the credits.