Barry Jenkins Gave Director Eva Victor’s Directors’ Fortnight Debut ’Sorry Baby’ a Solid Launch. Eva Victor’s directorial debut, ‘Sorry Baby,’ is generating significant buzz following its premiere at Sundance and subsequent selection for Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, a seriocomic exploration of trauma and recovery, boasts a talented cast including Lucas Hedges and Naomi Ackie, alongside crucial support from acclaimed filmmaker Barry Jenkins, who served as a producer through his Pastel production company, and the distribution power of A24, securing an $8 million worldwide rights deal. The film’s impressive credentials – including the Sundance Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award, an 88/100 Metacritic score, and a coveted closing night slot on May 22nd at Cannes – point to a promising theatrical release, currently slated for a limited June 27th followed by a wider July 18th nationwide rollout. Victor, previously known for their role in the Showtime drama ‘Billions’ and engaging social media content, expressed profound gratitude for the film’s growing excitement, stating, "To go from no one knowing the movie exists to having it be something people are excited for, I feel really grateful for this little adventure."
The success of ‘Sorry Baby’ is particularly remarkable considering the film’s sensitive subject matter – a small-town New England college professor grappling with the aftermath of an unexpected assault – and Victor’s achievement in securing such a lucrative indie distribution deal. Victor, who uses they/she pronouns, describes the filmmaking process as deeply personal and cathartic, noting that preparation for the film spanned several years. They highlight the importance of creative control, stating, "I was able to see myself onscreen [as] a different person." Jenkins’s involvement proved invaluable, encouraging Victor to share their script through Pastel, stating, "Your videos are directing. You just don’t know that that’s what directing is. It’s just a completely different scale and medium." The film’s production benefited from a discreet, 24-day shoot, prioritizing Victor’s desire for privacy, allowing them to craft the film precisely as envisioned. This intimate approach was further aided by a subsequent, extended post-production phase, providing time for Victor to distance themselves from their role as an actor and fully embrace their role as director.
Born in Paris and raised in San Francisco, Victor, represented by CAA and Management 360, is looking forward to a period of rest after dedicating four years to the project. Their future plans will be determined on a project-by-project basis, prioritizing opportunities that resonate deeply with them, such as those fueled by a "‘This is coming from my soul’ feeling." Insights into Victor’s future creative direction may be gleaned from their extensive background in U.S. French-language school, where they studied existentialism, leading to a reflective perspective – "We studied existentialism and that was meaningful, because I was brooding, like, ‘What’s the point of being alive knowing we’re going to die, you guys?’" This philosophical grounding, coupled with their experiences reading works like ‘The Stranger,’ has undoubtedly shaped their approach to storytelling. Victor’s journey, from a passionate creator to a recognized filmmaker, exemplifies the power of artistic vision and the importance of pursuing projects that genuinely ignite the soul, setting the stage for a promising future in both drama and comedy."
