‘Obsession’ director and Baker High grad Curry Barker earns new Hollywood honor
Reading time: 2 minutes
Mobile native Curry Barker is adding another milestone to his breakout year. The “Obsession” writer and director will receive IndieWire’s inaugural Future of Filmmaking Award, the outlet announced Sept. 23.
Curry Barker to accept IndieWire’s Future of Filmmaking Award
Barker, a 2018 Baker High School graduate, will accept the award at IndieWire’s Future of Filmmaking Summit on Saturday, Oct. 17, in Los Angeles. He’ll also share insights from making “Obsession” and from the year that followed its release.
According to IndieWire, the film is both one of the year’s best and an example of where the industry is heading. Barker wrote, directed and edited “Obsession,” which premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival before Focus Features picked it up for distribution.
How ‘Obsession’ became a box office hit
Mobile Bay Now has followed the film’s run since its $16.1 million opening weekend. Its totals have since climbed well past the numbers we reported. According to IndieWire, “Obsession”:
- Has grossed more than $500M worldwide, the highest in Focus Features’ history
- Ranks as the sixth-highest-grossing horror film of all time
- Is the most profitable original film of the 2020s
The film was made on a budget of $750,000 to $1 million.
What’s next for Curry Barker
Barker is reteaming with Focus Features and Blumhouse Atomic Monster on “Anything But Ghosts.” He directs, edits and stars in the film, which he co-wrote with longtime creative partner Cooper Tomlinson. Tomlinson also stars alongside Aaron Paul, Bryce Dallas Howard and Violet McGraw.
As previously reported, Variety also reported that Barker will direct A24’s reboot of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”
Future of Filmmaking Summit details in Los Angeles
The all-day summit will feature panels and networking centered on the people, technology and skills shaping storytelling today. “Project Hail Mary” directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller will give the keynote presentation.
- What: IndieWire’s Future of Filmmaking Summit
- When: Saturday, Oct. 17
- Where: Penske Media headquarters at Lumen West LA
- Tickets: On sale now
