Sean Baker Calls for Protection of Theatrical Releases Amid Streaming Shift

Acclaimed director Sean Baker has urged filmmakers to defend the theatrical experience following the recent acquisition of Warner Bros. by Netflix. Speaking at the Red Sea International Film Festival, Baker emphasized the need to maintain and even expand traditional theatrical release windows in the face of an evolving industry landscape.

During his address, Baker responded to the landmark deal that sees Netflix acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television divisions, as well as the HBO and HBO Max platforms. He stated that while it is early to evaluate the full implications of this acquisition, the integrity of cinema’s release model must be preserved. “We should not be reducing theatrical windows — we should be expanding them,” he remarked. “This is how the filmmaker wants you to see their film. Everybody else can wait for it.”

Baker also expressed his commitment to a minimum 100-day theatrical window for his upcoming projects, underscoring the significance of the cinematic experience. “When you go directly to streaming, it diminishes the importance of a film,” he added. “The theatrical experience elevates it.”

Optimism for Future Audiences

Despite concerns about declining theater attendance, Baker remains hopeful, 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,” he stated. “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.”

Following the unprecedented success of Anora, where Baker made history by becoming the first filmmaker to win four Oscars in one night for the same film, he has received numerous offers from major studios. Nevertheless, he has no interest in pursuing high-budget projects. “I’m not going for the next $150 million studio thing,” he affirmed. “With Anora, I worked with a small, passionate team that believed in a guerrilla-style approach to filmmaking. The outcome was incredible — why not try to repeat that?”

Baker confirmed that his next film will align with the scope and tone of Anora, focusing on grounded stories that resonate deeply with audiences.

Reflecting on Historic Achievements

Baker shared that he has only recently had the chance to process the whirlwind of events following Anora’s record-breaking awards sweep. Just 36 hours after the Oscars, he and his producing partner, Samantha Kwan, were on their way to Tokyo for the film’s Japanese release, followed by the Cannes premiere of another project, Left-Handed Girl, which he co-wrote, edited, and produced. “There was no slowing down,” he noted. “When the Palme d’Or happened, that was my dream come true. I thought that was it. But my friends texted me saying, ‘Get ready for the next eight months — it’s going to be crazy.’”

As the head of the jury at the Red Sea International Film Festival, Baker is passionate about supporting independent filmmakers and helping new voices gain international recognition. He reflected on his own journey, stating, “Independent film is a struggle. 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 by expressing his goal in Jeddah: to elevate new filmmakers in the Arab region and beyond, ensuring that their stories receive the attention they deserve. As the film industry continues to navigate the complexities of streaming and theatrical releases, Baker’s commitment to preserving the cinematic experience resonates strongly within the community of filmmakers and audiences alike.