The highly anticipated debut feature film titled “Mad Payments to Pay”, directed by Joel Alfonso Vargas, has successfully been acquired by the renowned production firm Salaud Morisset, which operates out of both Paris and Berlin. This acquisition encompasses rights for its exhibition at film festivals, theatrical releases, and non-commercial screenings, showcasing the film’s potential to reach diverse audiences across various platforms.

Following its successful premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, where it received the NEXT Special Jury Award for its exceptional ensemble cast, “Mad Payments to Pay” has garnered further attention by being selected for the Berlinale in its Perspective section. Now, it is set to make its mark at the renowned Karlovy Vary Film Festival, positioning itself as a significant entry in the global film circuit.

The narrative of the film revolves around Rico, whose summer experiences are a chaotic blend of pursuing romantic interests and crafting homemade cocktails from a cooler on Orchard Beach in the Bronx. However, when his teenage girlfriend, Destiny, unexpectedly arrives at his family home, the carefree and wild days he has been enjoying are soon threatened, leading to a dramatic turning point in his life.

In reflecting on his film, Vargas expressed, “Mad Payments to Pay was inspired by my childhood memories in the Bronx: the vibrant hustler culture, the sweltering summer days, and the essence of first loves. It draws inspiration from my parents, who navigated the challenges of being young parents, along with the guys I grew up with who lived life on the edge. They bore the weight of being the ‘man of the house’ without a clear roadmap for what that entails. This tension between societal pressures to mature, compounded by the hardships of poverty, and the innocence of youth, lies at the very heart of this film. I aimed to create something that authentically represents that world, particularly for young men of color grappling with the challenges of growing up, and to capture the beautiful chaos of home.”

In addition to his role as director, Vargas actively contributed as the screenwriter, editor, and a producer for the film, showcasing his multifaceted talent and dedication to the project.

According to a statement from Salaud Morisset, Vargas’s upbringing in the Bronx and the surrounding areas of New York City significantly shaped his artistic instincts. His work is heavily influenced by the rich culture of his Dominican American community and his deep-rooted passion for hip-hop, which resonates throughout “Mad Payments to Pay”.

As a self-taught filmmaker, Vargas embarked on his journey by creating short films independently, often casting actors through Craigslist advertisements. “He remains committed to grassroots filmmaking, collaborating with small teams, utilizing street-cast talent, and incorporating semi-improvised dialogue to maintain authenticity in his storytelling,” the statement elaborates.

Vargas has received accolades for his work, winning the Pardi di Domani Best Direction award at Locarno for his short film “Could It Go Beautifully for You, Rico.” He is also a recipient of grants from the Tribeca Film Institute and WarnerMedia, recognizing his potential and contributions to the independent film landscape.

The film is produced by esteemed Italian producer Paolo Maria Pedullà, who has honed his skills by collaborating with notable filmmakers such as Paolo Sorrentino and Luca Guadagnino. His impressive portfolio includes works like The Young Pope, The New Pope, We Are Who We Are, and the Academy Award-nominated film The Hand of God (in the role of associate producer).

Production companies involved in this project include Killer Films and Perpetuum Films, with co-production contributions from Watermark Media and Spark Solutions, reflecting a collaborative effort to bring this compelling story to life.

Lexi Kroll serves as an associate producer, while the executive production team includes Christine Vachon, Gabriel Mayer, Julie Waters, Evan Dyal, Robina Riccitiello, Josh Peters, and Liam Francis Quigley, highlighting the diverse talent involved in this cinematic endeavor.

François Morisset, founder and managing director of Salaud Morisset, remarked, “From the moment we viewed ‘Mad Payments to Pay,’ we recognized we were experiencing the emergence of a powerful new voice in independent cinema. Joel Alfonso Vargas infuses raw authenticity and poetic vision into a coming-of-age narrative that vibrates with life and urgency. We are thrilled to support this remarkable debut and help introduce it to audiences around the globe.”