Felipe Solari Yrigoyen Embarks on Directorial Journey with 'The Amateurs'

Felipe Solari Yrigoyen, a seasoned assistant director known for his collaborations with acclaimed South American filmmakers like Rodrigo Moreno and Santiago Mitre, is now poised to launch his own directorial career. His inaugural feature, titled 'The Amateurs,' is generating early buzz and is slated for presentation at the prestigious Venice Gap-Financing Market. The project signals a new chapter for Yrigoyen, who brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles on notable productions such as Moreno’s “The Delinquents” and Mitre’s forthcoming “Villaflor.”

The narrative of 'The Amateurs' promises a unique blend of mystery and humor, set against the scenic backdrop of Patagonia. The story centers on an unconventional film convention where the unexpected occurs: a prized Maltese Falcon statuette vanishes, closely followed by the disappearance of a cryptic Russian guest. This bizarre turn of events thrusts an unlikely ensemble of non-professionals into the task of unraveling the perplexing mystery. Yrigoyen revealed his long-standing ambition to craft a crime comedy, initially conceiving a plot where a man’s pursuit of a woman leads him into a complex case, an idea that evolved into the distinctive convention setting during the writing process. He views the Comic-Con-like environment as inherently cinematic, celebrating the passion of its attendees while ensuring the film's unique character costumes sidestep any copyright concerns.

Currently, Yrigoyen is navigating the European film markets to secure the necessary funding for 'The Amateurs.' The film is being produced by the prominent Latin American company Quijote Films, spearheaded by veteran producer Giancarlo Nasi. With initial financial backing secured from the Chilean Fund and a grant from Argentina for emerging directors, Yrigoyen is considering filming in Chile, a country where he has previously had positive production experiences. This move is particularly pertinent given the challenging current climate for Argentine cinema, which has seen significant funding cuts. Yrigoyen remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting Argentine cinematic artistry despite the adversities, viewing his directorial leap as a timely opportunity to leverage his extensive assistant directing expertise on an ambitious project.

Felipe Solari Yrigoyen’s transition to directing with 'The Amateurs' is a testament to his dedication and growth within the film industry. His journey from supporting roles to leading his own vision embodies the spirit of perseverance and creative ambition. The film, with its intriguing plot and unique setting, holds the potential to captivate audiences and establish Yrigoyen as a notable new voice in South American cinema, showcasing that passion and experience can overcome significant challenges.