Cannes: 'Anora' director Sean Baker advocates for sex work decriminalization
Acclaimed director Sean Baker, renowned for his films on sex workers, has announced that his upcoming project will continue to explore this theme. The revelation came during a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival for his latest film Anora, which also focuses on a high-end stripper. His belief is that understanding sex work in today's capitalist society is crucial and it should be respected as a job and career.
Baker's stance on decriminalization and regulation of sex work
Baker expressed his personal view that sex work should be decriminalized and not regulated. He explained, "It's a sex worker's body ... it's their body and it's up to them to decide how to use in their livelihood." The director sees the potential for countless narratives within this world, stating, "There are a million stories to be told in that world." His aim with these films is to tell human stories and help remove the stigma associated with this profession.
Baker's unique approach to filming intimate scenes
Baker also shared his approach to filming intimate scenes, or "sex shots" as he prefers to call them. These scenes are carefully choreographed and blocked by the actors to ensure they are necessary and move the plot forward. Interestingly, Anora did not have an intimacy coordinator on set. Instead, Baker and producer Samantha Quan took on this role, ensuring a respectful environment during these sensitive sequences.
'Anora' received acclaim at Cannes Film Festival
Baker's latest film, Anora, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was met with a 10-minute standing ovation. The film features actor Mikey Madison in a raw performance as a stripper who marries a Russian oligarch's son. The script was specifically written for Madison, marking her first time having a part written specifically for her. Currently, Anora holds an impressive 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its critical acclaim.
