ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Sean Baker's iPhone-Filmed Drama About Transgender Sex Workers in Los Angeles

digital · 2026-03-19

Director Sean Baker created the 2015 film 'Tangerine' using an iPhone 5 to capture the story of two transgender sex workers in Los Angeles. The narrative follows their search through West Hollywood for one character's unfaithful pimp boyfriend, depicting their daily struggles with clients and various challenges. The movie examines the marginalized queer communities of Los Angeles while highlighting themes of solidarity and connection.

Key facts

  • Film was shot entirely on an iPhone 5
  • Premiered in 2015 with a runtime of 1 hour 38 minutes
  • Story centers on transgender sex workers in Los Angeles

Entities

Artists

Locations

  • Los Angeles
  • West Hollywood

Sources