Puerto Rican film Picando Alante, a co-production of De Luz and Teatro Breve, seeks distribution on platforms

The Puerto Rican film Picando Alante, which successfully debuted in movie theaters on April 20, had the benefit of a tax incentive of 90% on credits, which really helped with its financing. The film had an estimated budget of US$1.6 million.

Picando Alante, co-produced by De Luz of Esteban Lima and the Teatro Breve group, was written by Mikephillippe Oliveros; directed by Israel Lugo, who makes his debut with the film; and Adiela Arroyo and Naima Rodríguez Rivera are the producers. The film is now in conversations with Spanglish Movies for distribution.

The producers hope that the film, shot in 2019, will be placed on streaming platforms and showcased on the festival circuit.

Oliveros, the screenwriter, and author of the play on which the film is based explains that the original plot was related to the concern about cannabis legalization in Puerto Rico in 2014.

Picando Alante is the story of Marisol, an Agronomy student, whose hobby is growing cannabis plants. Since there is no financial support for this activity, Marisol convinces his family to do it illegally.

The story has a universal appeal for Director Lugo because it’s centered on a family. It is Lugo’s first feature film as a director. “I’ve been directing advertising, music videos, short films, and documentaries for 15 years,” he said.

The film is a dark comedy, with a bit of sarcasm, and is very realistic. “It has suspense. It is a film that will have the audience grabbing their seats,” Lugo concluded.

Watch trailer here