For all of us who hold a camera with trembling hands and a story in our hearts, the rising prominence of indie films and the support of groundbreaking production companies underscore that making a difference, one heartfelt story at a time, is not just possible but essential.

This is not to understate the value of representation or the importance of advocating for more minority filmmakers. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. If relatability politics take precedent in the industry’s current state of homogeneity, the limited diversity that we are already privy to will become almost obsolete. In order to counter this, we need to advocate for the elevation of more voices in Hollywood while simultaneously discouraging the superficiality of representation at face-value.  

Ani’s blend of street-smart grit, humor and vulnerability captivates from the outset of the film. Ani is not a one-dimensional figure — she’s complex, flawed and deeply human, challenging stereotypes attached to sex work.