Many folks have been asking me what I thought of ANORA and other hi-profile films of the year. I want to start by saying that I love many of Sean Baker’s films, especially TANGERINE, but I find ANORA to be glorifying, celebrating  and reinforcing the male gaze and the objectification of women under the guise of entertainment.  This is an old story, and not a revolutionary one. For those of us who are sick and tired of main female characters who are strippers, her feisty behavior does nothing to redeem this.

Did you know that the majority of sex workers are MOTHERS who turn to prostitution in desperation as a way to support their children?

Is the actress Mikey very, very good- yes for sure she is, and she is lovable. But really- as a friend of mine from Berlin explained:

I can no longer stand movies in which men portray women and female sexuality. It all leaves me so stunned. The normalization of prostitution, the exploitation of the female body with the camera and in the narratives. And then the display of wealth that is senselessly squandered – oh what funny guys these Russian oligarchs are. People like us, who see the brutal side of prostitution and who know that Russian oligarchs have amassed their super wealth through criminal machinations, are just fun stoppers. What a “step forward” for us women; in “Pretty Woman” the prostitute was still poor and without self-confidence until she was rescued by her millionaire. Today, prostitution is a profession full of glamor and the young prostitutes are cool and self-determined… Excuse my sarcasm but that’s what I think of „Anora” and all this leaves me with a deep sadness. But it’s so good to know that there are others who can see through it. We must not give up and must continue to resist…and we will!