Director /executive producer Salvador Espinosa and writer/producer/lead actress Tato Alexander’s (don’t know) how to be is a uniquely authentic perspective on the contemporary challenges of individuality and family from leading voices in Mexican filmmaking and comedy. The film had a US Premiere at the Austin Film Festival on October 25th at the Galaxy Theater in Austin, TX. This follows its World Premiere at the Morelia International Film Festival in Mexico on Monday, October 13, under the Spanish title (No Se) Como Ser.
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’ boomer parents, as they clash over values and expectations. There is good 30dialogue that can make the audience think about the topic and how the 30-something adults handle their relationship – something that does raise an eyebrow on occasion from the 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.
About the filmmakers- This is the fourth feature from Mexican filmmaker Salvador Espinosa, who got his start directing television series like La Clínica, Club de Cuervos, and Emmyâ Award-winner 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 like 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, and 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
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