Filmmaker Sean Baker expressed his gratitude towards the sex worker community for sharing their stories and life experiences, as he accepted the best original screenplay award for his film “Anora” at the 2025 Oscars. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film’s portrayal of Ani, a stripper who marries a Russian oligarch’s son, has garnered attention, especially after winning five Oscars. To delve deeper into the community depicted in the film, here are seven films, both documentary and narrative, that explore the personal and cultural aspects of sex work.

From the moving documentary “The Stroll,” which highlights the stories of Black and Latina trans women in New York City, to the groundbreaking “Kokomo City,” which focuses on the lives of Black trans sex workers, these films shed light on the challenges and realities faced by individuals in the sex industry. “Zola,” inspired by a viral Twitter thread, follows the journey of a waitress and stripper on a road trip, while “Hustlers” showcases the entrepreneurial spirit of New York strippers.

“Lilya 4-ever” portrays the harsh realities of a teenage girl turning to sex work in a former Soviet republic, while “Working Girls” offers a glimpse into the lives of sex workers in a Manhattan brothel. Lastly, “Jeanne Dielman, 23, Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles” presents a revolutionary take on a widowed mother’s daily life. These films provide a nuanced perspective on sex work, shedding light on the challenges, aspirations, and resilience of those involved in the industry.The protagonist engages in sex work as a means to support her family financially. She views her interactions with clients in the afternoons as just another task in her daily routine, similar to cooking or cleaning. Despite the seemingly mundane nature of her work, the story takes a dramatic turn towards the end, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. To truly understand the impact of these events, one must watch the film and experience the journey firsthand.