Problemista (2023)

Problemista centres on Alejandro, an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador who’s struggling to bring his unusual ideas to life in New York City. As time runs out on his work visa, a job assisting an erratic art-world outcast becomes his only hope to stay in the country and realise his dream.  

Problemista is the feature debut of writer, director and star Julio Torres, a Peabody Award winner for Los Espookys and multiple Emmy nominee for his writing on Saturday Night Live.  

The stacked cast includes Oscar winner Tilda Swinton and Emmy nominees RZA and Greta Lee (Past Lives, Russian Doll, The Morning Show). Oscar nominee Isabella Rossellini (Conclave) narrates.   

Problemista has an 86% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where it was the second best-reviewed fantasy movie of 2024. The surreal film won Unsung Film of the Year at the 2025 GALECA Dorian Awards, and was nominated at the Queerties, the GLAAD Media awards and the Film Independent Spirit Awards, where Torres was up for Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay.