Sean Baker is certainly not resting on his laurels.
A few days ago, the Ivy Film Festival hosted a conversation with Baker, director of the Oscar-winning movie “Anora,” and, according to an attendee, the filmmaker gave an update on his next film, which might be coming sooner than we thought.
Baker mentioned that he and his wife, Samantha Quan, who co-produced “Anora,” had just returned from a trip where they were location scouting for his next project. If all goes according to plan, a fall shoot might happen.
No cast or plot details have been revealed at this time, but at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, Baker mentioned that his next film would once again be about a sex worker. However, given his recent Oscar triumph, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s decided to go in a whole new direction with this next project.
So, we might get another Baker film very soon. “Anora” was a wonderful addition to a filmography that already includes the likes of “Tangerine,” “The Florida Project,” and “Red Rocket.” Over the last decade, there’s been an exciting trend emerging in American independent film. Directors like Baker and the Safdie brothers are crafting what could be described as “Gutter Poetry,” telling stories rooted in the lives of the American middle and lower classes. This approach has led to some remarkable films in recent years.
Baker’s work, in particular, carries a unique sense of freedom, vitality, and authenticity. From his use of non-professional actors to his dynamic camera work, his films offer a striking portrait of modern America. Even before Anora, Baker was one of the best U.S. directors working today — but his stock has clearly risen since then, and the sky’s the limit for the 54-year-old filmmaker. Whatever he does next will be watched very closely.
Still no distributor for "Bucking Fastard," "Alpha Gang," "The Last Photograph," "Closing Night," and "The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd." The issue seems to be quality more than a lack of willingness to buy.