Sean Baker, the recipient of the prestigious Palme d’Or award for his latest film Anora, took the opportunity to shed light on the current state of cinema. In his acceptance speech at the Cannes Film Festival, Baker emphasized the importance of theaters in the survival of the film industry. He expressed his hope that Anora would contribute to keeping the tradition of movie-watching in theaters alive.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by theaters today, Baker noted the unfortunate trend of theaters closing down on a daily basis. He shared his personal connection to theaters, stating that as a filmmaker, he strongly believes that movies should be showcased in a traditional theater setting. The decline of theaters is a cause for concern for Baker, who described it as “very discouraging” and “very scary” for the future of cinema.
Despite the grim outlook, Baker also pointed out some positive developments in the film culture of certain cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Austin, and San Francisco. He mentioned the enthusiasm of young people who still value the experience of watching movies on the big screen. Baker’s latest film Anora, although not mainstream, aims to remind audiences of the existence of unique and thought-provoking films that deserve recognition.
Addressing questions regarding the release of Anora in Russia, Baker admitted that it was a challenging topic due to political tensions. He expressed uncertainty about the film’s accessibility in the Russian market, highlighting the complexities that filmmakers face when navigating international distribution. Despite these challenges, Baker remains hopeful about the future prospects of Anora and its impact on global audiences.
Anora marks NEON’s fifth consecutive Palme d’Or win as the film’s domestic distributor. This achievement underscores the studio’s commitment to promoting diverse and groundbreaking cinema. With a stellar rating of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, Anora has received critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and exceptional performances.
Sean Baker’s impassioned plea for the preservation of theaters reflects a larger conversation about the evolving landscape of cinema. As audiences continue to engage with films across various platforms, the essence of communal movie-watching remains a cornerstone of cinematic experience. Anora stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring magic of the silver screen.