Writer, director, actor, and comedian Julio Torres really broke out as the co-showrunner and actor on HBO’s short-lived comedy series, “Los Espookys,” featuring Fred Armisen. While that series only lasted two seasons, it’s made its mark with all the right people (Armisen and “Saturday Night Live” exec Lorne Michaels also co-produced his 2019 comedy special “My Favorite Shapes,” so clearly he has fans).
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The latest patrons of his work are A24. They’ve backed and are distributing Torres’ feature-length directorial debut, “Problemista,” which debuted at SXSW 2023 and was supposed to come out last summer. However, the SAG strikes a wrench in that plan, and A24 wisely delayed the surrealist comedy about an El Salvadorian aspiring toy designer struggling to bring his unusual ideas to life in NY.
“Problemista” has a huge cast and stars Tilda Swinton, Torres, RZA, Greta Lee, Catalina Saavedra, James Scully, Larry Owens, Laith Nakli, Kelly McCormack, Spike Einbinder, Greta Titelman, River L. Ramirez, and is narrated by Isabella Rossellini.
Here’s the official 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.
A24 has given “Problemista” a March 1, 2024, opening in limited release, and then will open the film nationwide on March 22, 2024.
