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Indie Film Sensation ‘Mad Bills to Pay’ Lands Distribution Deal
New York – Joel Alfonso Vargas’ debut feature film, “Mad Bills to Pay,” a vibrant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Bronx, has been acquired by Salaud Morisset, a distribution company based in Paris and Berlin. The acquisition includes rights for festival screenings, theatrical releases, and non-commercial distribution, marking a important milestone for the independant film.
From Sundance to Global Distribution
“Mad Bills to Pay” has been making waves on the film festival circuit. After a celebrated premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, where it secured the NEXT Special Jury Award for its outstanding ensemble cast, the film was promptly selected for the berlinale’s Perspective section. Now, it’s gearing up for another screening at the prestigious Karlovy Vary Film Festival, further solidifying its reputation on the international stage.
A Glimpse into the Bronx
The film centers on Rico,a young man spending his summer days chasing romance and selling homemade cocktails on orchard Beach in the Bronx. Rico’s carefree lifestyle takes an unexpected turn when his teenage girlfriend, Destiny, moves in with his family, setting the stage for a series of dramatic events.
Mr. Vargas offered insight into his creative process, stating, “‘Mad Bills to Pay’ emerged from my memories of growing up in the Bronx: the constant hustle, the sweltering summers, and those first intense experiences of love. I was deeply inspired by my own parents, who were teen parents themselves, and by the young men I saw around me, grappling with the pressures of manhood without any real guidance. The film explores the tension between societal expectations and the innocence of youth, all intensified by the realities of poverty. My goal was to create a piece that resonated with the authenticity of that world, portraying young men of colour navigating adulthood with a mix of boldness and vulnerability, and celebrating the complex beauty of home.”
Vargas: A One-Man Filmmaking Force
Adding to his directorial role, Vargas also served as the film’s screenwriter, editor, and one of its producers, showcasing his multifaceted talents and dedication to the project.
according to Salaud Morisset, Vargas’s dominican American upbringing in the Bronx and surrounding areas profoundly shaped his artistic vision and passions.His cultural background and love for hip-hop are palpable throughout the film.
The self-taught filmmaker initiated his career by creating short films, utilizing Craigslist for casting and embracing small crews, street-cast actors, and semi-improvised dialog, underscoring his commitment to grassroots filmmaking.
Did you no? Joel Alfonso Vargas previously won Locarno’s Pardi di Domani best direction award for his short film “May It Go Beautifully for You, Rico.”
Key players Behind the Scenes
Paolo Maria Pedullà, an Italian producer known for his work with acclaimed filmmakers such as Paolo Sorrentino and Luca Guadagnino, produced the film. His impressive credentials include “The Young Pope,” “The New Pope,” “We Are Who We Are,” and the Academy Award-nominated “The hand of god.”
Production companies involved include Killer films and Perpetuum Films, with co-production support from Watermark Media and Spark Features. Lexi Kroll served as an associate producer,while Christine Vachon,Gabriel Mayer,Julie Waters,Evan Dyal,Robina Riccitiello,Josh Peters,and Liam Francis Quigley are credited as executive producers.
Salaud Morisset’s Vision
François Morisset,founder and managing director of Salaud Morisset,expressed his enthusiasm for the project,stating,”From the moment we watched ‘Mad Bills to Pay,’ we recognized a powerful emerging voice in independent cinema. Joel Alfonso Vargas brings an unmatched authenticity and lyrical sensibility to a coming-of-age story that is both vibrant and poignant. We are honored to support this exceptional debut and share it with audiences worldwide.”
The Journey of “mad Bills to Pay”
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Joel Alfonso Vargas |
| Distribution Rights | Salaud Morisset (Paris/Berlin) |
| Festival Premieres | Sundance Film Festival,Berlinale,Karlovy Vary film Festival |
