What happens when you mix a kinky indie comedy, a dreamy 16mm aesthetic, and a pre-millennium alternate universe? You get FToys*, the audacious feature debut from filmmaker Annapurna Sriram. Premiering at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, this film is already turning heads with its bold exploration of intimacy, exploitation, and class—all wrapped in a bubblegum grindhouse package.
Set in the sun-soaked, seedy underbelly of Trashtown, USA, FToys* follows AP (played by Sriram herself), a sanguine young woman on a quest to lift a curse. Promised salvation by multiple psychics—for the low price of $1000 and the sacrifice of a baby lamb—AP scoots her way through a surreal landscape of smut, filth, and bizarre encounters. Along the way, she meets a cast of eccentric characters, including Sadie Scott, François Arnaud, and Big Freedia, each more unhinged than the last.
Shot on grainy 16mm film, FToys* is a visual feast that reimagines The Fool’s Journey of the Tarot through a darkly comedic lens. Sriram’s direction is both playful and provocative, blending campy humor with a raw, unfiltered look at human desire and desperation. The film’s aesthetic is a love letter to grindhouse cinema, with a dreamy, almost nostalgic quality that contrasts sharply with its gritty subject matter.
Annapurna Sriram not only directs but also stars as AP, bringing a magnetic energy to the screen. She’s joined by a stellar supporting cast, including Sadie Scott as a fellow wanderer, François Arnaud as a mysterious stranger, and Big Freedia in a scene-stealing role. The film is produced by Timothy Petryni, whose previous work includes indie darlings known for their bold storytelling and visual flair.
FToys* isn’t just a film—it’s an experience. By tackling themes of intimacy and exploitation with a mix of humor and heart, Sriram pushes the boundaries of indie cinema. Her debut is a testament to the power of storytelling, proving that even the most taboo subjects can be explored with artistry and depth.
FToys* is a film that dares to be different. Annapurna Sriram’s debut is a bold, unapologetic exploration of human desire, wrapped in a bubblegum grindhouse aesthetic that’s as visually stunning as it is provocative. While some may find its irreverent tone challenging, others will see it as a refreshing take on indie cinema. With its stellar cast, unique vision, and fearless storytelling, FToys* is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of SXSW 2025.
What do you think about the rise of bold, boundary-pushing indie films like FToys*? Are they reshaping the future of cinema, or are they just a flash in the pan? Share your thoughts below!
