Salvador Espinosa directs, with Tato Alexander writing and starring in (don’t know) how to be: a fresh, authentic look at individuality and family challenges, seen through the eyes of two leading figures in Mexican filmmaking and comedy. The film premiered in the US at the Austin Film Festival on October 25 at the Galaxy Theater, following its World Premiere as (No Se) Como Ser at the Morelia International Film Festival in Mexico on October 13.
Written and directed with room for improvisation, and rehearsed like a theater production, the film (don’t know) how to be provides a great story with a limited cast and limited settings. It is a generational story following Majo (Tato Alexander) and Cris (Memo Villegas), a millennial couple in their thirties, and Vivián (Arcelia Ramírez) and Héctor (Gerardo Trejoluna), Cris’s boomer parents. The main generational conflict centers on Majo and Cris seeking independence and forging their own identity as adults, while Vivián and Héctor maintain more traditional values and expectations. This clash over values is highlighted through dialogue that prompts the audience to consider how the couple’s relationship and choices raise eyebrows with their parents.
The following quote is available from the press materials. “For both Espinosa and Alexander, this film is only the beginning of a dialogue between ourselves, the world, and those around us. The movie doesn’t aim to teach, but to spark an honest and funny conversation about how we position ourselves in relation to current issues,” shares Espinosa. “With an intimate approach, sharp humor, and a visual style that evolves with the dramatic tension, (don’t know) how to be invites the audience to recognize themselves, question themselves, and laugh a little at their own expense.”
Language: Spanish with English Subtitles
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1, Audio: 5.1 Surround Sound
Executive Producers: Salvador Espinosa, Ricardo Morales
Producers: Miguel Necoechea, Elizabeth Romagnoli, Chuy Chávez, Tato Alexander
Director of Photography: Chuy Chávez, Editor: Ana García, Sound Designer: Arturo Zárate
Music by Carlos Mier, Additional Cast: Flor Benitez
The Austin Film Festival will host a second screening at the Galaxy Theater on Wednesday, October 29, at 6:45PM CDT. Running Time: 85 minutes
The film is presented by production and distribution company IDA Films, headed by producer Elizabeth Romagnoli, which is currently in production on several other films. As the credits roll, (don’t know) how to be leaves the audience with plenty to reflect on and an authentic, memorable film experience.
About the filmmakers – This is the fourth feature film from Mexican filmmaker Salvador Espinosa, who got his start directing television series such as La Clínica, Club de Cuervos, and the Emmy Award-winning El Vato. It was written by and stars award-winning Mexican actress and comedian Tato Alexander, who is best known for her roles on stage and in films such as Can’t Quit Mom, Non-Negotiable, and Total Loss. The duo previously collaborated on movies like Guadalupe Reyes, You’ve Got This, and The Dad Quest, as well as shows like How to Survive Being Single, The Most Beautiful Flower, Harina, and Backdoor, a sketch comedy program that has become a benchmark for the format in Latin America.
Source: AFF, IDA Films