Julio Torres’ A24 Comedy ‘Problemista’ Gets Release Date

The disparate themes of immigration, white privilege, the politics of art and art galleries, cryogenics and even corporate espionage are woven through Julio Torres’ upcoming feature directorial debut, “Problemista.” The film, which he also wrote and stars in, was a hit at SXSW in 2023 and screened at Outfest LA. Originally set for release last summer but delayed due to the strikes, the film hits select theaters March 1 and theaters everywhere March 22 via distrib A24.

Torres stars in a release date announcement clip very much in the spirit of the film:

Torres’ résumé includes the beloved but now canceled “Los Espookys,” which he co-created, co-wrote and starred in as Andrés, the stereotypical flamboyant gay diva; stand-up special “My Favorite Shapes”; and a stint in the “Saturday Night Live” writers’ room, among other projects.

As with “Los Espookys,” Torres’ singular view of the world and penchant for magical realism pepper “Problemista,” which also stars Tilda Swinton, RZA, Greta Lee, James Scully, Larry Owens, Catalina Saavedra and is narrated by Isabella Rossellini. In the film Torres dons a decidedly plainer persona as Alejandro, an imaginative immigrant trying to break into big-time toy design in New York City. Alejandro hits the walls of bureaucracy, encounters insensitive and exploitative employers and becomes a victim of the housing crisis…