Naturist cinema is a niche genre that documents or dramatizes the lifestyle of naturists (also known as nudists). These films generally aim to advocate for the naturist philosophy, which posits that nudity is a natural, healthy, and non-sexual state.
The genre has roots in the early 20th century, coinciding with the naturist movement in Europe and North America. Early films were often documentary-style or pseudo-documentaries intended to showcase the benefits of "clothing-optional" living, such as improved hygiene, body acceptance, and a connection to nature. These were sometimes marketed as educational or health-related content to circumvent censorship laws regarding nudity. castle naturism
