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What’s next for Sean Baker after Anora?
After the widely acclaimed feature Anora, Sean Baker unveiled a short film starring Michelle Yeoh. The American filmmaker is now working on an erotic comedy, Ti Amo!, starring Italian actress Vera Gemma.
By Violaine Schütz.
Published on 19 February 2026. Updated on 15 April 2026.
After winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and five Oscars for Anora (2024), Sean Baker has become one of the most closely watched directors by film lovers. The 54-year-old American filmmaker has not slowed down since those accolades. He presented Sandiwara at the Berlinale, a short film produced by the brand Self-Portrait. Shot on an iPhone, it features Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh in five different characters.
Sean Baker’s short film starring Michelle Yeoh
While presenting this cinematic project at the Berlinale, Sean Baker shared some details about his ninth, untitled feature film with Variety. It will not be a big-budget production. He explained: “I was offered development deals, but I very much want to make my films independently. I mean, it would be amazing if Neon would distribute my film again in the States. I’d love to work with them again so much. But we are making our film independently [from studios] so that I can retain full control in terms of everything, from casting to content, and not have to take one note.”
Ti Amo!, an erotic comedy starring Vera Gemma
The director also revealed that his upcoming feature will be set in Italy. The lead role will be played by Italian actress, singer, television host and former stripper Vera Gemma. She previously starred in the sultry film Scarlet Diva (2000) by Asia Argento, as well as in The Stendhal Syndrome and The Card Player by Dario Argento. Rumours are circulating that American actress Sophie Thatcher (Heretic, Companion, Yellowjackets) might participate in the project as well. However, Sean Baker denied that rumour.
A narrative revolving around a sex worker
“It’s my love letter to the Italian sex comedies of the ’60s and ’70s, so I’m leaning into that. We want to shoot this year,” the filmmaker added. The story is expected to revolve around a sex worker, much like in the film Anora, acclaimed for Mikey Madison‘s remarkable performance.
That topic is clearly a recurring theme for the American director. At some point, he even planned on shooting a documentary about actress Bella Thorne (Shake It Up, Blended) and her ventures on the platform OnlyFans.
Ti Amo! by Sean Baker does not have a release date yet.
