Despite not being nominated for an Oscar, Baker’s latest feature The Florida Project won the hearts of critics, viewers and Drake.

For the director himself, the most important recognition came from residents of cheap motels. The Florida Project portrays their hidden homelessness through the eyes of children. We met Baker at the Vilnius Film Festival Kino Pavasaris to talk empathy and his relation to European cinema.

Lithuania has a special connection with The Florida Project. It is the birthplace of Bria Vinaitė, the star of the film, who Baker found on Instagram. ‘She’s a natural talent.’