‘Buffalo Kids’ Screenwriter Reveals Boy Who Inspired Animated Hit Died Two Weeks After Film Was Greenlit: ‘It Was Very Emotional’

As a cinephile who has seen my fair share of movies, “Buffalo Kids” stands out as one of the most heartwarming and poignant films I’ve had the pleasure to watch. The story, based on real-life experiences, resonates deeply with me because it showcases the resilience of human spirit, especially in the face of adversity.

“Buffalo Kids” is an early 1900s adventure that chronicles the journey of two Irish orphans, Mary and Tom, who travel across America in pursuit of their uncle. During their quest, they cross paths with a mix of allies and adversaries. Along the way, they also come across Nick, another orphan affected by cerebral palsy, whom they soon accept as a sibling-like figure.

The unique connection between Nick and Mary is what truly pulses at the core of this movie, a fact that may not come as a shock given its basis on the genuine sibling relationship shared by co-director Pedro Solís García’s children, Alejandra and Nicolás, who both share cerebral palsy.

Sadly, Nicolás missed out on seeing the movie that was inspired by him. In an interview with EbMaster, the film’s co-screenwriter and producer Jordi Gasull shared that Nicholas passed away right before the start of “Buffalo Kids” filming, as it went into production at the age of 16.

Following extensive efforts in securing financing for the upcoming film, similar in origin to “Mummies,” Gasull couldn’t help but share the exciting news with Solís García that the project was now progressing. “I said to him ‘We have the go-ahead!'” Gasull reminisced, eyes filling with tears during our conversation. Unfortunately, 15 days later, Nicolás passed away. However, Gasull did manage to tell his son about the upcoming film. “When Pedro told Nico ‘We’re making your movie,’ he seemed overjoyed,” Gasull shared. “It was an emotional moment and we owe this project to Nicolás and all children with cerebral palsy.

The primary influence behind the movie is Nicolás, with the film being produced by 4 Cats Pictures and Core Animation from Spain. Additionally, it draws on Gasull’s personal experience – he once encountered a real-life collision with a buffalo – and historical events. After becoming the top-grossing film in its home country of Spain, “Buffalo Kids” premiered this weekend in the U.K. and Ireland (distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery). Prior to the release, Gasull discussed the movie’s development, creation, and his aspirations for a North American debut with EbMaster.

Where did the idea for “Buffalo Kids” come from?

Pedro shared with me his plan to create a movie based on the tale of his child. I expressed my enthusiasm for the concept, acknowledging that we need to develop a story suitable for the characters. He proposed one that resembled “Home Alone” set in an orphanage, but it didn’t quite fit. Subsequently, a friend suggested a book about 19th-century orphans from New York, which I found captivating. As I delved into it, I exclaimed, “This could be the story!” So, I began investigating real orphan stories and experiences in the wild west, feeling that we had struck gold.

What was it like writing the real Nicolás, who was non-verbal, into the screenplay [which Gasull wrote alongside his longtime co-writer Javier López Barreira]?

Following much effort, we presented our initial screenplay featuring dialogue for Nick. I recall Pedro expressing his disapproval, saying, “No, no, no, this won’t work. My child didn’t speak. You need to create a character who communicates through his eyes.” After some research and discussions with Pedro, as well as studying videos of the real Nick, I rewrote the script without dialogue. We then sent it back to Pedro, who responded, “This is my son now.

Did you encounter disability discrimination when pitching the film, either to financiers or distributors?

Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t as straightforward as people suggested. Despite being told that the story was simple yet eloquently written with powerful characters, some found it risky for audiences. However, unlike what many might expect, no one mentioned the protagonist as unlikable. Instead, they praised the script as beautiful.

Did you expect the success in Spain?

Initially, I had anticipated fewer admissions for the film, around 600,000, and a domestic gross of €4 million. However, the actual performance has exceeded these expectations, with the film earning nearly $5.5 million domestically. To be honest, I didn’t expect us to come close to the success of “Mummies,” given its complexity and serious subject matter. But it has been a delightful surprise for us.

What was the most emotional scene for you while making the film?

As a passionate film enthusiast, let me share a personal experience that inspired a scene in a movie I recently watched. Years ago, I was involved in an automobile collision with a real buffalo in Yellowstone National Park. My younger son sustained a broken nose and was in tears, while my older son, displaying courage beyond his years, approached the dying animal and gently touched it. For a few poignant moments, they stood together, an image that left an indelible mark on me. This tender moment served as the foundation for a scene I witnessed in the film, where two characters (Nick and Mary) danced together.

What has been the response from audiences?

We’ve received an overwhelming amount of messages from numerous individuals via various channels including emails, Facebook, our 4 Cats Pictures and Core Animation web page. It’s been truly awe-inspiring! I must admit, I haven’t experienced such a tremendous response for any of my previous films. This outpouring of affection has been quite extraordinary. The common thread seems to be the emotional impact of how Nick is portrayed. Many have expressed that it was incredibly touching.

Given the success in Europe, is it disappointing “Buffalo Kids” hasn’t been picked up yet in the U.S.?

I’m quite visionary, and I aspire for this project to resonate well in the U.K., as I believe it could stir a response from Anglo-Saxon spectators. This is a film I think the American public will connect with deeply. The reason being, this story is based on real events, not fabricated. It’s not about delivering a specific message; instead, the message emerges organically from the authenticity of the narrative itself. And when I’ve shared it with my American friends, they have been incredibly moved emotionally. So, I hold a hope that we might find success there as well.

This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

2024-10-14 12:17