Sean Baker made Oscars history earlier this year, earning himself 4 Academy Awards as Producer, Director, Editor and Writer of Anora (plus a 5th award for Mikey Madison as Best Actress). His memorable Best Director acceptance speech was a call to action to the industry to continue making films for the theatrical experience; as Boulder’s only year-round arthouse cinema, showing films on the big screen is what we exist to do and knowing filmmakers like Sean Baker are advocating for us is the highest honor.
While accepting his Independent Spirit Awards for best director, Baker also addressed the specific importance of independent filmmaking. “I’m an indie film lifer – those who don’t see indie films as calling cards, those who don’t make these films to land a series or studio film. Some of us want to make personal films with subject matter that would never be greenlit by the big studios. We want complete artistic freedom.”
It is this complete artistic freedom that makes Baker’s films shining examples of the potential of American independent cinema – a potential to tell audacious and original stories, find acclaim and success from modest budgets and innovative techniques, and explore the depths of our empathy and capacity to share joy with characters on the margins of society. From the 10th anniversary of Baker’s breakout Tangerine to his historically lauded Anora and the gems in between, the Dairy’s cinema club celebrates artistic independence through our favorite indie lifer – Sundays in May.
Each screening followed by Cinema Club post film discussion – because great art deserves great conversation (and pizza!).