‘Problemista’ Premieres, Highlighting Immigrant Struggles and Surreal Humor

The film, directed by Julio Torres and starring Tilda Swinton, explores the challenges of U.S. immigration through a darkly comedic lens.

‘Problemista’ tells the story of Alejandro, a Salvadorian immigrant navigating the U.S. immigration system to pursue his dream of becoming a toy designer.
Tilda Swinton plays Elizabeth, an art-world eccentric, in a story that blends real-life struggles with surreal humor.
The film, which premiered at SXSW in 2023, is Julio Torres’ directorial debut, drawing from his own experiences as an immigrant.
Problemista uses absurdist jokes and surreal scenarios to highlight the unmoored feeling of immigrants trying to make it in America.
The film aims to offer a unique take on New York, reflecting the specific experiences and challenges of living in the city.