As a movie enthusiast with a deep love for cross-cultural stories, I can’t help but be captivated by the tale of “Los Frikis.” Having traveled extensively and lived in various parts of Latin America, I’ve witnessed firsthand the vibrant spirit that courses through these cultures. The story of these impoverished punk rockers in 1990s Cuba is not just a testament to human resilience; it’s a poignant reminder of the power of art and the indomitable human spirit.
The journey began in Havana. Filmmakers Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson, known for the 2019 movie “The Peanut Butter Falcon” featuring Shia LaBeouf, found their new project through conversations with friends.
Schwartz explains that his and Nilson’s fascination with the story of “Los Frikis” began well before the release of “The Peanut Butter Falcon.” He remembers encountering a group of Cubans in the capital city, which sparked his love for Latin American culture. Through friendships with actors and artists within the Cuban community, Schwartz claims they uncovered the genuine account of “Los Frikis” – a band of poverty-stricken punk rockers in 1990s Cuba who resorted to intentionally infecting themselves with HIV as a desperate measure to secure food, shelter, and freedom within a government-run sanatorium.
Although Schwartz wished to share tales from Latin America with a broader audience, he doubted if an American firm could fund and produce a Spanish-language movie. However, the acclaim garnered by Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma,” which won an Oscar in 2018 and focused on a middle-class family’s maid in 1970s Mexico City, encouraged him about the feasibility of “Los Frikis.” This project eventually secured U.S. distribution through Wayward/Range.
Afterward, Schwartz and Nilson started gathering the ideal creative team for their project, commencing with esteemed producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Lord, a Cuban-American, expressed that numerous stories could potentially vanish if they don’t discover means to share them via broader audiences.
Schwartz shares that he considered this as a chance to narrate this story genuinely in Spanish, yet make it globally visible. He expresses his initial doubt about telling it in its native language, but after witnessing ‘Roma’ and its acceptance, he found it feasible.
As a passionate cinephile, I’d like to share my perspective on the movie I’m involved with. In this production, I play Paco, but off-screen, I’m Héctor Medina. I believe that working-class families in Cuba have historically been subjected to hardships at the hands of their government. This film we’re making, however, offers a glimmer of hope by shedding light on their struggles and ultimately uplifting their standing in society through a powerful tale of freedom.
In an interview with EbMaster, Medina expressed that the brother who prioritizes family is the movie’s central character for her. She believes that the bond formed at the sanatorium represents a means of achieving freedom and there’s always a route leading to love.
During a unique showing of “Los Frikis” at Creative Artists Agency recently, actor Eros De La Puente (who portrays Gustavo) shared an interesting tidbit during a Q&A session: before the film’s debut, he had never stepped foot inside a movie theater before.
Schwartz noted that many of the actors were facing new experiences, and their reactions were captivating. A memorable moment occurred when Eros admitted he’d never seen a film in a theater before, right at the Coral Gables cinema in Miami. It was a moving experience to witness him watching his own movie on the big screen for the first time as the leading character.
Nilson reminisces about filming in the Dominican Republic when they took the cast to a store resembling a 7-Eleven. Strikingly, most of the actors hadn’t witnessed such an abundance of food during their lifetimes before.
De La Puente, as Schwartz clarified, had no prior experience with pasta. Intriguingly, the movie’s protagonist decided to pack a 50-pound suitcase full of pasta to take back to Cuba.
Schwartz points out that he and Nilsen are attracted to themes of loss in terms of their tonal approach. He particularly noted the blend of comedic and dramatic elements in “Los Frikis” as key creative focuses for the filmmakers, underlining how he often struggles to develop characters when a story maintains a consistently grim tone throughout its duration.
Schwartz notes that if a film is consistently intense throughout, it might become overpowering. Moreover, he points out that without moments of humor, it becomes challenging for us to truly connect with the characters.
According to Arjona, the serious topic of “Los Frikis” is balanced out by the humor and happiness woven into its storyline.
The movie, as she notes, contains multiple love tales, but it’s the bond between the two siblings that forms the heart of its emotional narrative.
Arjona expresses that there’s an authentic poetry and charm in the longing for freedom, especially when sought within one’s native land,” he states. “This is something we all do in our lives.
Schwartz mentions that he found pleasure in the encounters with numerous Cuban performers from “Los Frikis.” The cast members frequently viewed their scarcity of food as an advantage due to their abundance of music, arts, and camaraderie, according to his recollection.
Regardless of tough situations, there’s always family, affection, and laughter,” Schwartz points out. “How do we maintain our humanity and connection during such varied circumstances? The answer is simple – it’s these very elements that bind communities together, no matter where they are located.
Arjona recalls that during the filming in the Dominican Republic, the actors resided in a hotel, and for several of the cast members, it was their initial experience venturing beyond Cuba. The leading actress of “Hit Man” expresses that she felt like a nurturing figure, making sure her co-stars were coping mentally throughout the production.
Right from the start, I knew I was joining forces with something far beyond myself. That initial script served as a powerful unifier for us all, sparking within us an shared enthusiasm: “We need to make this exceptional.
Check out an exclusive clip from “Los Frikis” below:
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2024-12-21 00:16