The film “The Florida Project” captivates viewers with its raw and poignant portrayal of childhood poverty, seen through the innocent eyes of a young girl named Moonee. A significant element contributing to the film’s authenticity is its setting. Instead of relying on studio sets, director Sean Baker chose to film on location, immersing the audience in the real world of budget motels and the fringes of the tourist paradise that is Orlando, Florida. But Where Was The Florida Project Filmed exactly? Let’s delve into the details of the film’s locations and how they contribute to its powerful narrative.
The primary filming location for “The Florida Project” was in Kissimmee, Florida, just outside of Orlando. This area, often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of Disney World, is home to a string of budget motels that cater to tourists and, as depicted in the film, serve as permanent residences for families living on the margins. Baker and his team specifically chose locations that exuded a sense of faded glory and everyday reality, contrasting sharply with the idealized vacation imagery typically associated with Florida.
The most iconic location in the film, and essentially the heart of “The Florida Project”, is the Magic Castle Inn and Suites. This brightly colored, purple motel served as the central setting for Moonee and her mother Halley’s life. The vibrant yet slightly rundown motel becomes a character in itself, symbolizing both the children’s imaginative playground and the harsh realities of their economic situation. The production team intentionally chose this motel for its visual appeal and its embodiment of the film’s themes. Its proximity to Disney World, visible in the distance in some shots, further emphasizes the juxtaposition of dreams and reality that the film explores.
Beyond the Magic Castle, other locations in Kissimmee and the surrounding Orlando area were used to create the film’s authentic atmosphere. These included local diners, roadsides, and other motels, all contributing to the sense of place and realism that Baker sought to capture. By filming in real locations and utilizing non-professional actors alongside seasoned performers like Willem Dafoe, “The Florida Project” achieves a documentary-like feel, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
The choice of location was crucial to the film’s impact. Filming in Kissimmee, amidst the budget motels and just a stone’s throw from the “happiest place on Earth,” allowed Baker to highlight the hidden struggles and resilience of families living in the shadow of the American dream. The bright colors and whimsical names of the motels, like the Magic Castle, ironically contrast with the often-precarious lives of their residents, creating a powerful visual and emotional dichotomy that resonates throughout the film. Understanding where The Florida Project was filmed is key to appreciating the film’s commitment to realism and its poignant commentary on contemporary American society.
