Which 2017 indie film directed by Sean Baker centers on a six-year-old girl living in a motel near Disney World? The answer is The Florida Project.
The Florida Project follows Moonee, a six-year-old girl living with her young single mother, Halley, at the Magic Castle Inn & Suites in Kissimmee, Florida. The budget motel sits near Walt Disney World, creating a striking contrast between the resort’s fantasy image and the economic insecurity faced by families living nearby.
Sean Baker directed and co-wrote the film with Chris Bergoch. Much of the story is seen through Moonee’s playful perspective as she explores the motel and surrounding area with other children, while Halley struggles to pay rent and avoid homelessness. The film’s title refers to Walt Disney World’s early planning code name, “The Florida Project.”
The film premiered in the Directors’ Fortnight section at Cannes in 2017 and was released by A24 on October 6. It was shot largely at the real Magic Castle Inn & Suites. Willem Dafoe earned an Academy Award nomination for his supporting performance as Bobby, the motel manager.