U.S. HISPANIC Versión en español
Salvadoran Dark Comedy La Balada de Hortensia Debuts in U.S. Theaters on Friday, May 2
Maribel Ramos-Weiner| 2 de mayo de 2025
Produced by Elías Axume from Premiere Entertainment and directed by Arturo Menéndez, La Balada de Hortensia stars Julio Yúdice—the Salvadoran comedian who created the character La Tenchis—
The dark comedy La Balada de Hortensia, which will debut in U.S. theaters on Friday, May 2 and made history in El Salvador as the highest-grossing local film ever, began as a commission to make a box-office hit in 2020. Salvadoran director Arturo Menéndez (Malacrianza, Pablo’s Word) recalls he never imagined he would put “so much heart” into it.
“I realized in the end that the film reflected a lot of things about me, because I went through a transformation in 2020. I fell into a depression that kept me in bed for a month, in total darkness, and then I felt like I was reborn. When I see this finished film, I say, ‘there are so many parts of me in here.’ It’s a movie about transformation, and that’s something I’ve experienced personally. I think the heart I put into the film has been part of its success,” Menéndez explains.
Director Arturo Menéndez: “It’s a movie about transformation”
Starring Julio Yúdice—the Salvadoran comedian who created the character La Tenchis—alongside Francisco Gattorno, Helena Haro, and Lourdes Chávez, La Balada de Hortensia tells the story of Alex, a self-centered comedian who wakes up trapped in the body of a woman, Hortensia, after a reckless accident. As he navigates his new reality, Alex must confront gender dynamics, social norms, and his own limitations, leading to a funny and eye-opening transformation.
Produced by Elías Axume and financed by his company Premiere Entertainment, the film features a dynamic creative team, including cinematographer Fran Moreno, composer María Magaña, and editor Federico Krill Granados.
In addition to its U.S. theatrical release, Menéndez mentioned they hope to distribute the film on streaming platforms and are exploring the possibility of a European premiere, particularly in Milan, Italy, which has a large Salvadoran community.
A NASCENT FILM INDUSTRY
Menéndez noted that fictional film production in El Salvador is still in its early stages, with a stronger tradition of documentary filmmaking. “Documentary film in the country has been well received abroad, with filmmakers like Marcela Zamora and Jorge Dalton. But fiction films were almost nonexistent. The first one was made in 1969, and then there were more than three decades without any,” he said.
He began making short films in 2008–2009, after returning to El Salvador from a stay in Spain. “Since then, I think we’ve been growing—not just me, but other filmmakers have contributed too: Brenda Vanegas, Ricardo Watts. I think La Balada de Hortensia is the first film to cross borders and hit the international box office. And that makes us very proud,” he said.
OTHER PROJECTS
Menéndez also shared that he’s working on other projects, including The Incredible Journey of Elba, an English-language film about immigrants in Los Angeles, and a thriller in collaboration with a producer from India. He is also developing another film titled Distancia A La Luna, set in Central America.
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