Jane shares a flat with a dysfunctional couple, has a job that she prefers to keep secret and a lot of free time. She spends her time getting high, playing video games and taking care of her Chihuahua, Starlet. One day, she buys a second-hand thermos from a yard sale, only to discover later that day that there’s something inside that shouldn’t be. Out of curiosity and guilt, she befriends the elderly who sold it to her, Sadie. The two women will develop a friendship made out of great, hilarious and dramatic moments. Their growing friendship will influence their lives, the people and the world around them. Maybe this relationship will be an opportunity for both of them. Or maybe just a plain dead-end.
Considering the amazing quality of Sean Baker’s filmography and the fact that most of his work remains fairly unknown, Americana decided – in addition to the screening of his latest feature, Tangerine – to include Baker’s previous film to this year’s edition: the critically-acclaimed Starlet, winner at SXSW, Locarno and the Independent Spirit Awards, amongst others. This hidden gem, alongside Baker’s new film, Tangerine, will no doubt reveal to the Spanish audience one of the most important emerging filmmakers in the US, who is yet to be discovered in our country.
Credits
Year: 2012
Runtime: 103′
Country: USA
Direction: Sean Baker
Screenplay: Sean Baker, Chris Bergoch
Cast: Dree Hemingway, Besedka Johnson, Boonee
Cinematography: Radium Cheung
Genre: Drama
Subtitles: Anjana Martínez
Contact: Protagonist
Wins & Nominations
Independent Spirit Awards 2013: Robert Altman Award
Locarno 2012: Junior Jury Award
SXSW 2012: Special Jury Award
