‘El Encargado’ Star Guillermo Francella and Writer-Directors Mariano Cohn, Gaston Duprat Re-Team for ‘Homo Argentum’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As a follower who has spent years delving into the rich tapestry of Argentine cinema, I can confidently say that “Homo Argentum” is shaping up to be a truly extraordinary production. Guillermo Francella‘s versatility, coupled with the masterful storytelling of Mariano Cohn and Gaston Duprat, promises an unparalleled exploration of modern-day life in Argentina.

Argentina’s Guillermo Francella, along with directors Mariano Cohn and Gaston Duprat, who are known for their hit series “El Encargado” (also known as “The Boss” on Hulu), are joining forces again to create a 10-episode movie anthology titled “Homo Argentum.” This project aims to satirize the underlying frustrations, paranoia, and stubbornness that lurk beneath the surface of contemporary life.

Without a doubt, Guillermo Francella ranks among Argentina’s top actors alongside Ricardo Darín. He showcased his acting skills in an impressive performance for Juan José Campanella’s Academy Award-winning film “The Secret of Their Eyes.” Later, he starred in Pablo Trapero’s critically acclaimed movie “The Clan,” which was one of Argentina’s most successful films in the past decade, earning a global box office revenue of $20.4 million.

Cohn and Duprat have solidified their position as one of Argentina’s leading filmmaking teams, gaining a broader global audience. They have directed Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas for the film “Official Competition” and Robert De Niro in the Argentine television series “Nada.

The production titled ‘Homo Argentum’ is based at the prominent film studio Pampa Films in Buenos Aires, known for hits such as ‘Chinese Takeaway’ (2011), the critically acclaimed Disney series ‘Monzón: A Knockout Blow’ in 2019, and the documentary feature ‘Muchachos’ that garnered attention.

Prepared to commence shooting on October 28th, “Homo Argentum” finds itself among a handful of significant feature films still being produced in Argentina, following the Javier Milei administration’s discontinuation of public-sector film funding at the Argentine film-TV agency INCAA. (First person: I am one of the few major feature films still in production in Argentina after the government stopped providing public-sector film funding through INCAA.)

Currently in the development phase, each episode of our production will range from 1 to 20 minutes. The format and content may differ, but they all fall under the umbrella of dramatic comedies, a signature style for us, as seen in films like ‘Official Competition’ and ‘The Distinguished Citizen’, or series such as ‘El Encargado’ and ‘Nada’. Duprat and Cohn shared this with EbMaster.

Works set in modern urban environments offer a raw, unfiltered exploration of human nature, stripping away societal niceties and masks often worn for everyday interactions and connections.

According to Cohn and Duprat, the main characters in these stories will face challenges that mirror the unseen stresses experienced within a contemporary metropolis. They discuss underlying contradictions, desires, irritations, emergencies, fear, and self-centeredness that stem from our social interactions. When unveiled without any filter, these aspects pose us with complex moral quandaries.

The movie offers a critical yet self-aware perspective on our “national identity,” showcasing various aspects of it. Argentina is a nation built by immigrants, with its character being a blend of diverse origins and nationalities. Over time, millions of Europeans arrived and intermingled with the native Argentinians, resulting in a potent and unique cultural tapestry, as explained to EbMaster by the directors.

The anthology structure offers a vast array of scenarios and topics that wouldn’t be feasible within a traditional feature film. Each episode can be enjoyed independently, yet collectively, they represent a shared insight into modern society, specifically focusing on Argentina in this instance, but applicable to the global community as well.

In the upcoming series, Francella will be featured across approximately ten diverse roles throughout its run. This presents a significant acting challenge, as noted by directors Cohn and Duprat, who mentioned that having Francella portray the main character in every episode is “one of the unique concepts of the production.

As a cinema enthusiast, I draw inspiration from the Golden Age of Italian Cinema, particularly the 20-part series “The Monsters,” along with timeless classics like “Down and Dirty,” “An Average Little Man,” and “Viva Italia.” These, among other sarcastic Italian comedies that Francella and directors hold in high regard, significantly influence my work.

Besides Duprat and Cohn, the executive producer roles are claimed. The movie is being produced by Pampa Films’ team consisting of Pablo Enrique Bossi, Pol Bossi, Agustín Bossi, and Maxi Lasansky.

“Homo Argentum” will shoot 95% in Argentina.

Inflation has taken a heavy toll on Argentina’s middle class, but this situation is particularly severe, noted Pol Bossi from Pampa Films, who are also associated with the Toronto Discovery film “Linda,” a movie delving into familial relationships.

This format is adaptable for export or can be reimagined in different versions. Francella is capable of delivering stunning, versatile performances, taking on roles spanning various characters,” he noted. “Furthermore, the collaboration of Guillermo, Gastón, and Mariano ensures a wide audience appeal.

In 2016, I was honored to win the Volpi Cup for best actor at the Venice Festival for my role in “The Distinguished Citizen,” a film directed by Cohn and Duprat. Additionally, my acting credits include the massive success “Lion’s Heart” from 2013, which drew over 1.7 million viewers in Argentina, and another record-breaking hit, “The Heist of the Century” from 2020, which holds the second-largest opening-day box office for any Argentine film ever.

2024-09-25 14:47

‘El Encargado’ Star Guillermo Francella and Writer-Directors Mariano Cohn, Gaston Duprat Re-Team for ‘Homo Argentum’ (EXCLUSIVE)

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