Manuel Ferrara, Zoe Voss Appear in Indie-Drama 'Starlet'

Manuel Ferrara, Zoe Voss Appear in Indie-Drama 'Starlet'

AUSTIN, Tx. — "Starlet," a new character-driven drama from indie-director Sean Baker ("Prince of Broadway") may have premiered this week at the South by Southwest festival to favorable reviews, but industry pundits are predicting a hard sell for the Freestyle Picture Co. and Cre Film production.

Road blocking the film's path to easy distribution is an explicit sex scene featuring porn stars Manuel Ferrara and Zoe Voss that would, if left unedited, secure the film a dreaded NC-17 rating from the MPAA. 

Set in the San Fernando Valley, "Starlet" examines the budding friendship between Sadie (Besedka Johnson), an elderly widow, and her unlikely new companion Jane (Dree Hemingway), an aimless 21-year-old just breaking into adult.

While the film doesn't focus on Jane's X-rated career, it does eventually arrive at a scene in which she is seen having sex with Ferrara during a porn shoot.

That scene, according to early reviews, graphically depicts oral sex and penetration between Ferrara and Voss, who steps in as Hemingway's body-double. "I'm not concerned about it," Baker told the LA Times' 24 Frames blog. "We obviously know this film will be either unrated or NC-17. There's no way around it. This is how I see it -- the film is for adults, made for adults.

"The state of independent film now anyway, you're going to play a few theaters in the major cities and then do well on [video on demand]," Baker continued. "If anything I could see this only enhancing that. This might even be a film people would be more comfortable watching at home, even though I would love people to see it on the big screen."

"Starlet" plays again at SXSW on Thursday at the Alamo Lamar C.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Ricky's Room Premieres Chanell Heart Showcase

Ricky’s Room has released the first installment of its Chanell Heart showcase, titled "Booty Like Water."

Girlsway Debuts New Installment of 'Girls Try Anal'

Little Puck and Shay Sights star in the latest installment of Girlsway series "Girls Try Anal," titled "Housewife’s Anal Adultery."

Chelsea Poe Releases 'Reclaimed: Long Live Queer Porn'

Director and performer Chelsea Poe has released her latest feature, titled “Reclaimed: Long Live Queer Porn.”

Aubrey Kate Toplines 'TS Doctor's Office' From TransSensual

Aubrey Kate headlines “TS Doctor’s Office,” the latest title from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Ricky's Room Signs Chanell Heart to 1-Year Deal

Ricky’s Room has signed Chanell Heart to a non-exclusive, multi-scene contract for one year.

Jonni Darkko Drops Evil Angel Blowbang With Jennifer White

Jennifer White stars in an Evil Angel blowbang release from director Jonni Darkko.

Ariel Demure Leads Latest From TransSensual

Reigning XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure stars in the latest TransSensual scene, titled "My Big Cock Cummy Wedding."

Autumn Rain Fronts Latest Release From Evil Angel

Autumn Rain stars alongside Christian Wilde in the latest Evil Angel scene.

Taylor Vixxen Stars in New Elegant Angel Release

Taylor Vixxen stars with Brad Newman in a new scene from Elegant Angel, titled “Wet and MILFy.”

Octavia Red Fronts Latest From Blacked Raw

Octavia Red stars with Vixen Media Group exclusive Jason Luv in the latest release from studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Show More