MODERN WHORE

description

A hybrid documentary that reimagines popular depictions of sex work through the lived experiences of writer, performer, and sex worker, Andrea Werhun.

Based on her book "Modern Whore: A Memoir", Andrea grapples with social stigma and reclaims her narrative in a series of funny, heartbreaking, and surprising stories. Part documentary and part re-enactments, MODERN WHORE features Andrea in interview and playing herself, in addition to a dastardly character named “Shame” — a tyrannical inner demon. From CUFF award-winning filmmaker Nicole Bazuin (CUFF 2023 Audience & Jury Award Winner for Best Canadian Short THRIVING: A DISSOCIATED REVERIE), the film also features interviews with Andrea’s current and former sex worker friends, her devoutly Catholic mother, long-term romantic partner, and her regular strip club client. In the end, Andrea continues to dream of making a living as a writer – but until that day, she works.

OFFICIAL SELECTION
Toronto International Film Festival 2025
Vancouver International Film Festival 2025
St. John's International Women's Film Festival 2025

DIRECTOR'S BIO
Nicole Bazuin is an award-winning Toronto filmmaker and artist. She directed the short film THRIVING: A DISSOCIATED REVERIE, which premiered at Sundance, was named to TIFF’s Canada’s Top Ten list for 2023, and won the CUFF 2023 Audience & Jury Awards for Best Canadian Short. Her other shorts include MODERN WHORE, which premiered at SXSW, and the CBC Short Doc LAST NIGHT AT THE STRIP CLUB. She co-created and directed the series THIS ART WORKS! for CBC Arts and CLIMATE TALKS WITH KIDS for The Image Centre. Nicole co-created and photographed the book "Modern Whore: A Memoir" (Penguin Random House Canada) with writer Andrea Werhun. Exhibitions include: Art Gallery of Ontario, Luminato, and Nuit Blanche. MODERN WHORE is her first feature film.