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ScreenTalk with writer/director Sean Baker + Anora (18) (AD)

ScreenTalk

A young couple, the man wearing sunglasses and the woman sitting on his lap, smile and look into each others eyes.

Writer/director Sean Baker (The Florida Project) will be live onstage before a screening of his Palme d’Or winning comedy drama, in discussion with Barbican Cinema Curator Sonia Zadurian.

We couldn’t be more excited to host Sean Baker for a special discussion of Anora, in advance of a screening of his award-winning film. We will do our very best to ensure that the discussion is free of spoilers. 

Anora (Mikey Madison), a sex worker from Brooklyn, meets and swiftly marries Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn) the son of a Russian oligarch, who whisks her off her feet and into a land of luxury and excess. Comedy soon ensues when Ivan’s parents hear rumours of the marriage and send a trio of henchmen to ascertain the truth of the situation. 

Anora is as much a searing critique of traditional Cinderella style love stories, as it is of the myth of the 'American Dream'. You can read our review of the film here.

As Sean will need to dash out promptly to his next event, there will be no questions from the audience on this occasion. 

2024 USA dir Sean Baker 139 mins

Flashing Light Warning: Please note this film contains flashing lights and may affect viewers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.

There is audio description available for this title. The film soundtrack comes through the speakers in the usual way and a recorded narrator explains what is happening on screen through personal headphones. Please ask a member of staff for a set of headphones.

Films can contain elements which some may find upsetting; from references to self-harm or suicide, to sexual violence or domestic abuse. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) provides guidance to audiences, to help them choose what’s right for them and avoid what’s not. For guidance, please click here and type the film title into the search bar.

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