'Problemista' Trailer: Julio Torres' Charming Immigrant Story Arrives In August

A24 has built a name for itself as a studio that releases quality indie content. The studio has gained such a reputation that there are film fans that will watch a movie solely based on the A24 logo. Even though A24 is the studio behind “Problemista,” folks should look past that brand name for a minute and see the real star of the project— Julio Torres.

As seen in the newest trailer for “Problemista,” the A24 film not only stars Torres as a young immigrant man hoping to make it big in America as a toy designer, but the actor is also the writer and director of the film. He controls the entire vision, and you can see from the scenes teased, each frame of “Problemista” is filled with style and heart. This is a film that is overflowing with inspiration. And as such, it’s a project that will give Torres his biggest spotlight yet.

“Problemista” debuted at this year’s SXSW, and in our review from the festival, we said, “Torres operates in fantasy not out of contrivance or self-satisfaction but because fairy tales remain the best way to tell emotionally complex stories. Torres peels back layers of the immigrant story in something packaged as entertainment. It may appear whimsical, but you don’t need to dig too deep beneath the surface to find universal emotions underneath.”

The film stars Torres, Tilda Swinton, RZA, Isabella Rossellini, Larry Owens, Catalina Saavedra, and Greta Lee.

“Problemista” arrives in select theaters on August 4. You can watch the new trailer below.

Here’s the synopsis:

Alejandro is an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador, struggling to bring his unusual ideas to life in New York City. As time on his work visa runs out, a job assisting an erratic art-world outcast becomes his only hope to stay in the country and realize his dream. From writer/director Julio Torres comes a surreal adventure through the equally treacherous worlds of New York City and the U.S. Immigration system.