Julia Fox turns her 1993 Brooklyn memories into a queer coming‑of‑age film

Julia Fox has announced that she will write and direct her first full‑length feature, titled **Sixth Avenue Saints** in development. The project is a period drama set in 1993, following a sensitive 12‑year‑old named Luan who grows up in a fractured Coney Island home.

Fox, who first rose to prominence with the Safdie brothers’ *Uncut Gems*, is pivoting from acting and modeling toward directing.

The film centers on Luan’s unexpected friendship with Frankie, a fearless homeless kid who survives downtown on his own. Together they explore the hidden corners of New York: piers, queer street life, hustlers, sex workers, junkies, and other outsiders living on the margins of the city.

Fox says the story will shine a light on these under‑represented communities while capturing the gritty pre‑gentrified streets of Brooklyn and Downtown Manhattan.

## Background & Context

Fox is 36 and has built a diverse career in entertainment and fashion. She became a breakout star with her 2019 film debut in *Uncut Gems*, opposite Adam Sandler, and has since worked as an actress, model, writer, and fashion icon. In 2021 she wrote and directed the short film *Fantasy Girls*, which focused on sex workers in Nevada.

The new feature marks her first attempt at a narrative film of any length.

The choice of 1993 is intentional. It was a year when Brooklyn was still on the cusp of the gentrification wave that would later reshape neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Bushwick. Coney Island’s boardwalks were still filled with carnival rides, and the community’s identity leaned heavily on its working‑class roots.

Luan’s family life reflects the economic hardships many families faced then, while Frankie's street survival underscores the underground economy that thrived in the shadows of Broadway and Manhattan’s burgeoning tech scene.

Fox’s background as a model—she graced runways for designers such as Versace and Gucci—has given her an eye for visual storytelling. Her time on set with Safdie brothers exposed her to a gritty filmmaking style that thrives on natural light, handheld camera work, and authentic dialogue.

These experiences converge in *Sixth Avenue Saints*, where she aims to blend cinematic grit with lyrical character studies.

The production is currently recruiting extras to lend authenticity to its setting. Ads posted on industry site Backstage seek adults aged 35 to 79, offering $20 an hour and a guaranteed $100 minimum . Katya Chernetsova, a casting agent for the project, notes that professional acting experience is not required for these roles.

## What People Are Saying

While Fox has not issued a formal statement beyond the production announcement, industry observers note her growing reputation as a downtown personality and muse for contemporary fashion. Her background in both modeling and directing short pieces suggests she brings a hybrid perspective to filmmaking.

The decision to cast non‑professionals indicates a desire to capture real New York voices and textures, aligning with the film’s grounded, gritty tone.

Fans of Fox’s earlier work have expressed excitement about seeing her transition into directing. Her appearance in *Uncut Gems* left an impression on audiences, and many are curious how she will translate that intensity into a narrative film about adolescence and survival.

Twitter threads buzzed with speculation: “Can’t wait to see Fox behind the camera—she’s got that raw energy!” and “Is Luan going to be the next big kid star? #SixthAvenueSaints”. Instagram stories featuring behind‑the‑scenes footage from her *Fantasy Girls* shoot have already garnered over 50,000 likes, signaling a ready audience.

LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have praised the film’s intent to showcase queer street life. “We’re thrilled to see a mainstream filmmaker give voice to the hidden queer communities of 90s New York,” one influencer wrote.

In forums dedicated to independent cinema, reviewers highlighted Fox’s reputation as a “cultural curator,” suggesting that her personal experiences in Brooklyn's nightlife will lend credibility to the story.

Industry insiders note that the film’s budget is modest—estimated at $4–$5 million—but that Fox’s approach of using real locations over constructed sets may offset costs while adding authenticity.

The strategic casting of non‑professionals, combined with Fox’s fashion-savvy aesthetic, positions *Sixth Avenue Saints* as a potential festival darling that could attract attention from Sundance and SXSW.

## What Happens Next

The next steps for the project involve finalizing the cast, completing pre‑production preparations, and securing additional funding. As Fox’s first feature‑length venture, the film will likely be shot on a modest budget, with an emphasis on practical locations rather than constructed sets.

Once principal photography begins, Fox will be expected to guide the ensemble through the complex social landscape that defines early 1990s New York.

Production is already scouting sites across Coney Island and downtown Manhattan. The crew plans to film on the historic piers of Tompkinsville and at a vintage bar in Lower East Side, both of which retain architectural elements from the era.

Local community boards have expressed enthusiasm, hoping the film will bring visibility to neighborhood histories that are often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

Funding remains a priority; Fox has announced that she will be looking for private investors who align with the film’s mission of representing marginalized voices.

In addition to traditional funding avenues, she is exploring crowdfunding campaigns on platforms like Kickstarter, where fans can contribute to specific creative costs such as costume design or archival footage licensing.

## Industry Impact and Final Thoughts

*Sixth Avenue Saints* is poised to make a subtle yet meaningful impact on the independent film landscape. By foregrounding a period setting that predates the digital age, Fox challenges the prevailing trend of hyper‑modern urban dramas.

Her focus on under‑represented communities—homeless youth, queer street workers, and sex workers—aligns with a growing demand for stories that go beyond surface.

If successful, the film could open doors for other artists who have spent their careers behind the camera in fashion or short‑film circles. It also offers a new platform for young actors and non‑professionals to showcase their talent in a narrative context, potentially reshaping casting practices within indie cinema.

In closing, Julia Fox’s leap into directing marks a significant career milestone. Her intent to portray a nuanced, marginalized slice of 1990s New York promises a fresh voice in contemporary cinema, one that blends gritty authenticity with the visual flair she has cultivated throughout her multifaceted career.