A Few Films to Watch Out For.
The Latino Film Festival 2025 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event, showcasing a vibrant array of voices and perspectives from across the Latin American diaspora. Among the anticipated premieres are two films generating significant buzz: Joel Alfonso Vargas’s debut feature, “Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo)” and Amalia Ulman’s sophomore effort, “Magic Farm.” These films, distinct in their settings and styles, offer compelling narratives and promise to be highlights of the festival.
“Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo)”: A Bronx Tale of Hustle and Hope
Dominican American filmmaker Joel Alfonso Vargas steps into the spotlight with “Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo),” a gritty and intimate portrait of life in the Bronx. The film follows Rico, played by Juan Collado, a teenager navigating the challenges of young adulthood by selling homemade alcoholic cocktails on the beach. This small-time hustle suddenly feels inadequate when his girlfriend, Destiny (played by Destiny Checo), prepares to move in with him and his family.
Vargas, a Bronx native, brings an insider’s perspective to the story, aiming for authenticity by blending scripted scenes with moments of improvisation. The film features a cast of fresh faces, further grounding the narrative in the realities of the community it depicts. More than just a story, “Mad Bills to Pay” feels like a genuine reflection of a specific Latino community, told with a passion and connection only someone deeply rooted within it could convey.
“Magic Farm”: Untangling Cross-Cultural Connections with a Touch of Irreverence
Following her critically acclaimed debut, “El Planeta,” Argentine-born artist Amalia Ulman returns with “Magic Farm,” a film promising to expand on her signature blend of piercing humor and insightful observations. Known for her black-and-white portrait of a mother and daughter’s complex relationship in “El Planeta,” Ulman shifts gears to a vibrant, culture-clash narrative set in South America.
“Magic Farm” follows an American film crew as they travel to Argentina to profile a local musician. The crew’s ineptitude and cultural misunderstandings create a ripple effect, leading to unexpected misconnections and illuminating cross-cultural exchanges. Starring Chloë Sevigny and Valeria Lois alongside a mix of American and Argentine actors, “Magic Farm” promises to be a deeper exploration of Ulman’s unique worldview, tackling themes of cultural identity and communication with a distinctive and often humorous touch.
With their distinct perspectives and compelling narratives, “Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo)” and “Magic Farm” are shaping up to be must-see films at the Latino Film Festival 2025. Festival attendees should keep an eye out for these two promising features, which are sure to spark conversation and solidify the festival’s reputation for showcasing exciting, emerging talent within the Latin American film landscape.
Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo)’
Delve into the gritty realities of debt and destiny in this intriguing film. Details remain shrouded in mystery, but the title suggests a potentially gripping narrative exploring the struggles of ordinary individuals facing extraordinary financial burdens.
‘Rains Over Babel’: A Psychedelic Journey You Won’t Forget
Prepare for a mind-bending experience with “Rains Over Babel,” the debut feature from Colombian writer-director Gala del Sol. Festival programmers are already buzzing about its “psychedelic” and “steampunk fever-dream” aesthetic. Set within the unique confines of a bar called Babel, the film follows a colorful cast of queer characters, each grappling with personal demons as they encounter La Flaca, Death incarnate. Inspired by Dante’s “Inferno,” this visually stunning and emotionally charged story promises to be unlike anything else in the Latin American queer cinema landscape.
‘Selena y Los Dinos’: A Fresh Look at an Icon
How can you tell a new story about an icon whose life has been so thoroughly explored? Filmmaker Isabel Castro (“Mija”) attempts to answer this question with “Selena y Los Dinos,” a documentary offering a fresh perspective on the legendary Tejano artist Selena Quintanilla and the family who shaped her rise to stardom. Featuring previously unseen footage, the documentary raises the intriguing question of whether Castro can offer a distinct contribution, especially given the involvement of the protective Quintanilla family as executive producers. This film promises a deeper dive into the family dynamic and the untold stories behind Selena’s meteoric rise.
‘Serious People’: When Life Gets Too Real, Hire a Doppelganger?
Remember the “Edgar” haircut craze amongst young Latino men? The filmmaking duo Cliqua, Pasqual Gutiérrez and Raúl Sanchez, explored it in their short film “Shut Up & Fish.” Now, they’re back with “Serious People,” a quasi-autobiographical feature starring themselves. Pascual, a rising music director on the verge of fatherhood, finds himself overwhelmed by the demands of his career and personal life. His solution? To hire a doppelganger to handle his professional responsibilities. But as you can imagine, the results are far from ideal. Expect a humorous and insightful look at the pressures of modern life, told with the authenticity and wit that Cliqua is known for. Gutiérrez co-directs with Ben Mullinkosson.
‘The Virgin of the Quarry Lake’: Coming-of-Age with a Supernatural Twist
Brace yourself for chills with “The Virgin of the Quarry Lake,” the chilling adaptation of Mariana Enríquez’s acclaimed short story. Set against the backdrop of Argentina’s early 2000s economic crisis, this coming-of-age narrative follows a group of teenagers entangled in a troubling romantic web. Natalia, insecure about an older girl vying for the attention of her crush, explores her burgeoning desires while simultaneously tapping into a disturbing otherworldly realm. With its blend of familiar coming-of-age tropes and a haunting supernatural undercurrent, this film promises to be a captivating and unsettling exploration of adolescence.
The Latino Film Festival 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable event for cinephiles. Keep an eye out for these films and prepare to be transported, challenged, and thoroughly entertained.
