A New Comedy Crime Scene: Felipe Solari Yrigoyen's Directorial Debut

The Making of a Director

Over the last decade, Felipe Solari Yrigoyen has worked as an assistant director to some of the most lauded filmmakers in South America. His credits include Rodrigo Moreno's The Delinquents, Martín Rejtman's The Practice, and Santiago Mitre's upcoming Villaflor. After learning from the best, Solari Yrigoyen is finally claiming the director's chair for himself with The Amateurs.

It's an exciting development in a film landscape where young directors are often still trying to find their voice. Solari Yrigoyen's background gives him a unique perspective, having worked with filmmakers who have shaped the industry in South America. This experience, I argue, isn't just about technical know-how; it's about understanding storytelling from the inside out.

"I've learned a lot from Martín Rejtman, Rodrigo Moreno and Alejandro Fadel. I've had some very interesting and complex shoots, and from which I take a little inspiration," Solari Yrigoyen notes.

A Genre-Bending Narrative

The film's premise is delightfully absurd: What are the Joker, Marilyn Monroe, and Freddy Krueger doing in a run-down hotel in Patagonia? It turns out, they're there for an eccentric film convention where a prized original Maltese Falcon statuette goes missing alongside a mysterious Russian guest. Following the heist, an unlikely group of amateurs is left to solve the puzzle.

This isn't just another heist movie or crime thriller. It's a meta-commentary on fandom, identity, and what happens when pop culture characters collide with reality. The setting itself becomes a character—futuristic and whimsical, yet grounded in the very real complexities of film industry dynamics.

Speaking with Variety, Solari Yrigoyen emphasizes his intention to write a crime comedy:

"I had this idea of a guy who meets a girl, is very interested in her, and the girl disappears. He doesn't know anything about her, and he has to solve the case of who the girl is as the story becomes intertwined with a complex plot."

From Assistant to Director: A New Chapter

For Solari Yrigoyen, the transition from assistant director to filmmaker feels both natural and timely:

"It feels like the right time to move forward with a project of my own. I feel that there are a few things that I could get away with that would usually cost more money thanks to my experience working as an AD."

His approach to filmmaking is clearly informed by his intimate knowledge of how film crews operate, which can be a significant advantage in today's tight-budget environments. He's not just another hopeful director looking to make their mark—he's someone who understands the craft from the ground up.

Production Challenges and Opportunities

The film is being produced by leading Latin American company Quijote Films, under the guise of veteran producer Giancarlo Nasi (“The Blue Trail,” “The Settlers,” “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo”). The project's financing has already secured funds from both Chilean and Argentinian sources, including a grant from the Argentinian fund for first-time filmmakers.

However, Solari Yrigoyen acknowledges the difficulties faced by Argentine cinema under President Javier Milei's administration:

"It's a tough time for Argentina and for Argentinian cinema. It's very sad. But we've got to fight through it."

His decision to shoot in Chile, rather than Argentina, isn't just practical—it's a statement about resilience and collaboration within the broader South American film community.

Why This Matters for the Future of Cinema

The Amateurs is more than just a film—it's a symbol of creativity thriving under constraints. It represents a generation of filmmakers who are pushing boundaries while respecting tradition. In an era where many young directors struggle to get their projects off the ground, Solari Yrigoyen's path offers hope.

What makes this film particularly compelling is its ability to blend genres seamlessly. The Comic-Con setting provides not only visual spectacle but also a narrative framework that allows for both humor and heart. It's a genre-blending experiment that could redefine what it means to tell stories in the 21st century.

Moreover, by featuring iconic characters in costume, the film sidesteps potential copyright issues, opening up possibilities for similar projects. This approach demonstrates how creative storytelling can transcend traditional limitations and create entirely new cinematic experiences.

Final Thoughts

The Amateurs is poised to become a landmark moment in South American cinema—a debut that shows both promise and perseverance. With its blend of humor, mystery, and social commentary, it offers something fresh for audiences hungry for innovative storytelling. As we watch Solari Yrigoyen step into the director's chair, I'm excited to see where his vision takes us next.

In a world where entertainment often feels formulaic, The Amateurs dares to be unpredictable—and that's exactly what makes it so captivating.