Is The Florida Project Based on a True Story, Plot, Cast and More

The Florida Project is a 2017 film that, while not based on a specific true story, draws from the real struggles of families in Florida, shedding light on the hidden homeless living in cheap motels. 

by Mathelene | Updated Jan 24, 2024

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Is The Florida Project Based on a True Story?

No, The Florida Project is not based on one specific true story, but it reflects the challenging realities faced by many people in Florida. The filmmaker, Sean Baker, got the idea five years before making the film, inspired by stories of families struggling and living in cheap motels after the Great Recession. The movie sheds light on the "hidden homeless" and the difficulties faced by those living hand-to-mouth.

Sean Baker aimed to tell stories about marginalized communities, hoping that more awareness would lead to less marginalization. The film's setting near Disney World emphasizes the stark contrast between wealth and poverty. While not directly depicting a true story, The Florida Project portrays the hardships people endure, including the main character, Halley, who, in moments of desperation, engages in unconventional means to support herself and her daughter.

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The Florida Project

"The Florida Project," a 2017 drama directed and written by Sean Baker, follows the summer adventures of a six-year-old girl and her unemployed single mother in a budget motel in Kissimmee, Florida. The film explores their struggles to make ends meet and avoid homelessness against the surreal backdrop of Walt Disney World, referred to as "The Florida Project" during planning. It contrasts the less glamorous daily lives of local residents with the joyful innocence of the children.

Premiering at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, it was released by A24 in the United States on October 6, 2017. Critics praised Baker's direction and the cast's performances, with particular acclaim for Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, and Willem Dafoe. Dafoe received nominations for Best Supporting Actor at major awards shows, and the film was recognized by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute in their top ten films of the year.

The Florida Project Release Date

"The Florida Project" debuted globally on May 22, 2017, at the Directors Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival. A24 secured the distribution rights for the United States shortly after the premiere. The film had a limited release in U.S. theaters starting from October 6, 2017. Following its theatrical run, Lionsgate made the film available on Blu-ray, DVD, and for download.

This means audiences had the option to watch the movie in theaters or access it for home viewing through different formats. The choice of a limited theatrical release suggests the film was initially shown in select cinemas before potentially expanding to a wider audience. Overall, the film's journey from its premiere to distribution reflects the typical process of bringing a movie to audiences, with a notable debut at a prestigious film festival and subsequent availability for home viewing.

The Florida Project Plot

Six-year-old Moonee resides with her single mother, Halley, at the budget Magic Castle Inn & Suites near Walt Disney World in Kissimmee, Florida. Moonee spends her unsupervised summer days causing mischief with her neighbors Scooty and Dicky. Halley is supposed to watch over Scooty while his mother works, but after an incident with a new resident, Dicky is grounded. Moonee and Scooty befriend Stacy's granddaughter, Jancey.

Halley faces financial struggles after losing her job as an exotic dancer and relies on food from Ashley, Scooty's mother. To make ends meet, Halley sells knockoff perfume to tourists. The children explore the neighborhood, sharing experiences like getting free ice cream. Bobby, the motel manager, deals with the children's antics but remains protective. The storyline takes a turn when Scooty, Moonee, and Jancey accidentally start a fire, leading to consequences for their friendships and family dynamics.

The Florida Project Cast

Actor

Character

Willem Dafoe

Bobby Hicks

Brooklynn Kimberly Prince

Moonee

Bria Vinaite

Halley

Valeria Cotto

Jancey

Christopher Rivera

Scooty

Caleb Landry Jones

Jack Hicks

Aiden Malik

Dicky

Josie Olivo

Grandma Stacey

Edward "Punky" Pagan

Dicky's Dad

Patti Wiley

Amber

Rosa Medina Perez

Bertha

Mela Murder

Ashley

Sandy Kane

Gloria

Jim R. Coleman

Cabbie

Andrew Romano

Newlywed Groom

Carolina Grabova

Newlywed Bride

Where to watch The Florida Project?

You can currently stream "The Florida Project" on Amazon Prime Video. This means that the movie is available for viewing on the Amazon Prime Video platform, allowing subscribers to watch it at their convenience. Streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video provides easy access to a wide range of movies, including "The Florida Project," without the need for physical copies or traditional television schedules.

It offers the flexibility for viewers to enjoy the film on various devices, such as computers, tablets, or smart TVs, as long as they have an active subscription to Amazon Prime Video. This convenience makes it accessible to a broader audience, enhancing the overall viewing experience for those who prefer on-demand streaming services.

The Florida Project Trailer

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Is The Florida Project Based on a True Story - FAQs

1. Is "The Florida Project" based on a true story?

No, the film is not based on one specific true story. It reflects the harsh realities faced by many individuals living in Florida, inspired by news stories about families struggling and living in affordable motels after the Great Recession.

2. When did "The Florida Project" premiere?

The film had its world premiere on May 22, 2017, at the Directors Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival.

3. How was the film received by critics?

"The Florida Project" was acclaimed by critics, praising Sean Baker's direction and the performances of the cast. Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, and Willem Dafoe received particular acclaim for their roles.

4. Where can I watch "The Florida Project" now?

As of now, "The Florida Project" is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

 

5. Can you provide a brief summary of the film's plot?  

The film follows the summer adventures of six-year-old Moonee and her single mother, Halley, living in a budget motel near Walt Disney World. It explores their struggles, friendships, and the contrast between the children's innocence and the harsh realities faced by the adults.