Philadelphia Film Festival 2024 to Honor Sean Baker with Retrospective and ‘Anora’ 35mm Screening

The Philadelphia Film Festival is honoring Sean Baker‘s film career.

The “Anora” director will be at the center of a retrospective with the Philadelphia Film Society, which will take place over the course of the three weeks prior to the festival’s kick-off. The 33^rd annual festival will then screen Baker’s Palme d’Or winner ”Anora“ on 35mm.

The festival will take place from October 17 through 27, and feature buzzy hits like “A Real Pain,” “Conclave,” and Venice Golden Lion winner “The Room Next Door.” Additional early festival titles include “Bird,” “Blitz,” “The Girl with the Needle,” “I’m Still Here,” “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” and ”The End.”

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“These films are just a small teaser of what is sure to be one of our most thrilling and talked-about Festival lineup ever,” J. Andrew Greenblatt, CEO and Executive Director of the Philadelphia Film Society, said. “Stay tuned for the rest of the Festival slate with plenty of surprises to come.”

Philadelphia-centric films “Audrey’s Children” and “The Philly Sound…Heard Round the World” will also have their respective world premieres.

“Audrey’s Children” centers on the true story of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia physician Dr. Audrey Evans, beginning in 1969. Evans later co-founded the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. Ami Canaan Mann directs the feature from a script by Julia Fisher Farbman. Natalie Dormer, Jimmi Simpson, and Clancy Brown star; Mann, Dormer, and Simpson will be in attendance for the Philadelphia premiere along with other key members of the cast and crew.

“The Philly Sound…Heard ‘Round the World” chronicles Sigma Studios’ music legacy, working with singers Billy Joel, Hall & Oats, David Bowie, The O’Jays, and the Blue Notes. Bill Nicoletti directs, with John Legend and Mike Jackson of Get Lifted Film Co. and Al Roker executive producing. 

The Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) is the region’s home for classic and contemporary film presentation, education, entertainment, and community building. A nonprofit, community-supported organization, PFS produces the acclaimed Philadelphia Film Festival, curates an extensive year-round film program celebrating the past and future of world cinema, and provides education and community outreach programs, all serving to raise awareness of film as an important art form and vital piece of Philadelphia’s arts and culture community.

Tickets for the festival will go on sale to PFS Members on October 4 at 12 p.m. ET and be available for purchase by the public on October 7 at 12 p.m. ET.