Porn-Based Drama 'Starlet' Opens in L.A. and N.Y. Today

Porn-Based Drama 'Starlet' Opens in L.A. and N.Y. Today

LOS ANGELES — "Starlet," an indie-drama about the unlikely friendship that develops between an elderly widow and an aimless young porn starlet, is set to open Friday in Los Angeles and New York.

Sean Baker ("Prince of Broadway") directed the Music Box Films production from a script he co-wrote with associate producer Chris Bergoch, a collaborator on Baker's 2010 MTV comedy series "Warren the Ape."

Besedka Johnson, an 80-something newcomer, stars as the widow Sadie. Dree Hemingway — daughter of Mariel, great-great granddaughter of Ernest — plays newbie porn star Jane.

While the film’s plot doesn't center on Jane's X-rated career, it does include a controversial scene set at a hardcore porn shoot with adult film stars Manuel Ferrara and Zoe Voss (body-doubling for Hemingway) engaging in graphic, non-simulated sex.

In addition to Ferrara and Voss, "Starlet" includes cameos from porn stars Asa Akira, Lily LaBeau, Jessi Palmer, Kaci Starr, Tracey Sweet and Cassandra Nix. Former gonzo queen and "Girlvert" star Ashley Blue served as a consultant on the film.

"Starlet" is in select L.A. and N.Y. theaters now. For show times and locations, click here. To see the film's trailer, visit the Music Box Films YouTube page and/or website.

An XBIZ exclusive interview with director Sean Baker and screenwriter Chris Bergoch can be read here.

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