festival program / Jordan Ressler First Feature Award

Grandpas

About

There are few human drives stronger than the need to feel useful; and that impulse is the engine that moves Grandpas, a crowd-pleasing comedy from Spain that deftly mixes generous humor with sharp observations about modern life and working environments.

Isidro, Arturo, and Desiderio are three old friends (played by veteran character actors Carlos Iglesias, Roberto Álvarez, and Ramón Barea) who are finding it increasingly difficult to adapt to the changing job market, which is becoming more tech-centric and Americanized by the day. Most notably, no one seems interested in hiring anyone over 50-years old, and their considerable experience and talent is considered obsolete. Left taking care of their grandchildren, they hit on the idea of starting their own company….a daycare center! But their startup plan is met with derision, and the three friends must overcome their strongest obstacles yet in order to get it off the ground.

First-time feature director Santiago Requejo treats the ups and downs of the protagonists' quest for work with considerable wit and humor, but also with great sensitivity and empathy. A welcome break from boomer-millennial tension, Abuelos is a young filmmaker's love letter to his older characters; and affectionately proves that you're never too old to start fresh.

This screening is sponsored by FlixLatino, ViendoMovies Available with Xfinity and the Jordan Alexander Ressler Charitable Fund.

Event Dates

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SilverSpot Cinema 16

SilverSpot Cinema 11

Director Bio

Santiago Requejo is a filmmaker and writer from Spain. Requejo made his first short film when he was 12 years old. In 2010, founded 02:59 Films, a company specialized in the creation of viral videos for the internet. Grandpas (19) is his directorial debut.

Cast & Credits

  • Director(s)
    Santiago Requejo
  • Producer(s)
    Carlos Sanz
  • Screenwriter(s)
    Javier Lorenzo, Santiago Requejo
  • Cinematographer(s)
    Ibon Antuñano
  • Cast
    Carlos Iglesias, Roberto Alvarez, Ramon Barea, Mercedes Sampietro, Ana Fernandez, Clara Alonso, Eva Santolaria, Raul Fernandez De Pablo, Javier Lorenzo

Film Info

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