Acclaimed director Sean Baker has voiced strong concerns regarding the recent acquisition of Warner Bros. by Netflix, emphasizing the need for filmmakers to safeguard the theatrical experience. Speaking at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, where he serves as head of the international jury, Baker urged industry professionals to “put our foot down” against the contraction of theatrical release windows.
Protecting Theatrical Releases
Baker’s comments follow the announcement that Netflix will acquire Warner Bros., encompassing its film and television divisions, along with HBO and its gaming sector. While acknowledging the early stage of this deal, Baker stressed the critical importance of maintaining traditional cinema release models. He stated, “We should not be reducing theatrical windows — we should be expanding them. This is how the filmmaker wants you to see their film. Everybody else can wait for it.”
In a bid to reinforce his stance, Baker revealed his intention to insist on a minimum of 100 days for theatrical exhibition for his upcoming project. “That’s just over three months, and I think that’s a good place to start. When you go directly to streaming, it diminishes the importance of a film. The theatrical experience elevates it,” he added.
Optimism for Future Audiences
Despite ongoing concerns about declining cinema attendance, Baker expressed optimism, particularly regarding younger viewers. He noted that the largest audience for his recent film, Anora, was comprised of Gen Z. “There’s this perception that young people don’t go to theaters, but that’s not true. In L.A., when I go to the movies, it’s usually Gen Z. They see the value in the communal experience — focusing on a film without distractions,” he remarked.
Following the unprecedented success of Anora, which earned Baker four Oscars in a single night, he has received numerous offers from studios. However, he clarified that he does not intend to pursue large-scale blockbuster projects. “I’m not going for the next $150 million studio thing,” he stated. Instead, he plans to work again with a small, dedicated team and continue a guerrilla-style approach to filmmaking, aiming for projects that remain within the same thematic content areas as Anora.
Reflecting on his historic Oscar wins, Baker shared that he has only recently found time to process the accolades. “There was no slowing down,” he said, referencing his quick travels to Tokyo for the film’s Japanese release and subsequent appearances at the Cannes premiere of Left-Handed Girl, a film he co-wrote, edited, and produced.
Championing Emerging Voices in Film
As head of the jury at the Red Sea Film Festival, Baker is committed to supporting independent filmmakers and enabling new voices to gain international recognition. “Independent film is a struggle,” he said. “My life was basically saved when I won cash awards back in the day — they don’t exist much in the U.S. anymore. That’s why I love that this festival gives real prizes, up to $100,000. I know how life-changing that can be.”
Baker concluded that his mission during the festival is to “elevate new filmmakers” not only in the Arab region but globally. His advocacy for the theatrical experience and support for emerging artists reflects a broader commitment to nurturing the future of cinema in an evolving entertainment landscape.
