MoviesQueer Screens

Mark Your Calendars! ‘Problemista’ Hits Theaters Soon—Don’t Miss Out!

Hey there, folks! We’ve got some exciting news to share: mark your calendars because Problemista is finally hitting theaters! Yes, you read that right. Brought to you by studio A24 and written, directed, and starring Julio Torres, Problemista is set to premiere in a limited capacity on March 1, before expanding into a wide release on March 22.

We have to confess that this quirky gem has been on our radar since its debut at SXSW on March 13, 2023. Its blend of comedy, surrealism, LGBTQ+ themes, and POC representation promises to enchant us all, so we can’t wait to see it.

But what is Problemista about, you ask? At the heart of Problemista lies the tale of Alejandro (Julio Torres), a visionary toy designer hailing from El Salvador. His aspirations lead him to the bustling metropolis of New York City, where he strives to bring his unconventional creations to life.

Yet, fate takes an unexpected turn when Alejandro finds himself in the employ of a reclusive artistic luminary, portrayed by Tilda Swinton. As Alejandro grapples with the intricacies of his work visa and seeks validation for his artistic endeavors, we are swept along on a moving but amusing odyssey through the labyrinthine landscapes of New York City and the U.S. immigration system.

(L-R) Julio Torres, Tilda Swinton. Image Courtesy of A24

The official A24 synopsis reads: “Alejandro (Torres) is an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador, struggling to bring his unusual ideas to life in New York City. As time on his work visa runs out, a job assisting an erratic art-world outcast (Swinton) becomes his only hope to stay in the country and realize his dream. From writer/director Julio Torres comes a surreal adventure through the equally treacherous worlds of New York City and the U.S. Immigration system.”

What promises to set Problemista apart from other films in its genre is its authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ experiences and the challenging process that immigration poses for people of color. In a cinematic landscape where Latinxs, especially queer Latinxs, lack representation, this film is sure to resonate deeply with audiences looking for genuine representation on screen. Julio Torres, both the writer and director of the film, infuses it with personal insights drawn from his own journey as a queer Salvadoran immigrant in New York City.

Joining Torres and Swinton are a constellation of talented performers, including RZA, Larry Owens, Catalina Saavedra, Greta Lee, Spike Einbender, James Scully, and Isabella Rossellini lending her voice as narrator.

You can watch the official trailer for Problemista below, and don’t forget to check out the freshly released character posters. You won’t want to miss this cinematic gem.

Gather your squad, folks, support LGBTQ+ cinema, and get ready to laugh, reflect, and fall in love with Problemista. Coming soon to a theater near you.


Mark your calendars, Problemista opens in selected theaters on March 1, and everywhere on March 22. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!

Featured image: Image Courtesy of A24. Credit: Jon Pack.