“Los Frikis,” the Spanish-language film from producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller and directors Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson, has landed U.S. distribution from Wayward/Range releasing and will open in select markets, including L.A., New York, and Miami, on Dec. 25, 2024.
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The film marks directing duo Schwarz and Nilson’s follow-up to their critically acclaimed drama “The Peanut Butter Falcon” (2019), which earned them a DGA nomination for outstanding directorial achievement for a first-time feature film. Produced by Academy Award-winning filmmakers Lord and Miller (“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”), it features a stellar Latino cast, including Adria Arjona (“Hit Man”) who also executive produces, Héctor Medina (“Viva”), Jorge Perugorría, Luis Alberto García and newcomer Eros de la Puente.
Inspired by true events, the film follows a young man, Gustavo, in 1990s Cuba as he idolizes his older brother Paco and his punk bandmates — the “Frikis.” As oppression and extreme poverty grip Cuba, the Frikis make a desperate and bold choice: intentionally infect themselves with HIV to gain refuge in government-run sanitariums.
Lord said in a statement exclusive to Variety , “Being Cuban-American, I’ve been exposed to many stories that would likely be lost if they aren’t able to find ways to be told through wider audiences. It’s been important to myself and Chris to help tell these Latino stories under our Lord Miller banner. The generosity and collaborative spirit of our whole cast, along with insight from additional Cuban writers, directors, artists, and friends across the Cuban diaspora helped create a beautiful film that truly comes from the heart of Cuba, but is meant for the entire world.”
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Schwartz added, “Tyler and I felt an immense responsibility bringing the true stories of the “Frikis” that intentionally contracted HIV in the early 90’s to the screen. This film emerged from friendships we built with artists in the Cuban community, and we waited ‘till we could assemble a team of actors and producers capable of telling such a layered story.”
“Los Frikis” has already made some waves on the festival circuit, earning the Grand Jury Prizes at the Miami International Film Festival (Marimbas Award) and the San Antonio Film Festival (Best Performance for Héctor Medina), in addition to the Audience Award at the Nantucket Film Festival (Shine Global Award) and Best Narrative Feature at the Middlebury Film Festival. It’s continuing its fall festival tour with upcoming screenings at the Hamptons, Heartland International and Woodstock Film Festivals, building momentum ahead of its release.
“Los Frikis” will be released by Wayward/Range Releasing in select theaters on Dec. 25.
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