SOMOS MARI PEPA (We Are Mari Pepa) A film by Samuel Kishi Leopo Feature film, Mexico 2013, 95 minutes

The feature film SOMOS MARI PEPA (We Are Mari Pepa) by Samuel Kishi Leopo will celebrate its European premiere in the Generation section at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2014. The director, the lead actor Alejandro Gallardo and the producer Toiz Rodríguez will be available for interviews in Berlin.

SOMOS MARI PEPA (We Are Mari Pepa) tells the story of Alex, a 16-year-old teenager living with his grandma, who has various plans to occupy himself during the summer: write a new song with his rock band “Mari Pepa“, find a job and have his first sexual experience. He also becomes aware that his grandma is increasingly dependent on him. As the summer continues, Alex realizes that things are going to change forever and that he will have to grow up and learn to say goodbye. The director Samuel Kishi Leopo portrays his characters and their dreams and fears in such an authentic and understandable way that he easily invokes memories of lazy hot summer days, the first kiss, and the precious time shared with friends. He splendidly manages the balancing act between a modern coming-of-age comedy and an honest, sensitive portrait of a teenage boy growing up.

Samuel Kishi Leopo graduated with a degree in Audiovisual Arts from the University of Guadalajara. His works have been presented at various festivals such as Clermont-Ferrand, Cannes Critics’ Week and Morelia. He has directed the short films MEMORIA VIVA (2006), LUCES NEGRAS (2009), ACERCA DEL DRAMA DE LOS CALCETINES (2010) and MARI PEPA (2011), which was the winner of the Ariel Award given by the Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences. SOMOS MARI PEPA (We Are Mari Pepa) is his first feature film. The film is a Mexican coproduction by Teonanacatl Audiovisual in association with Cebolla Films.

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The director Samuel Kishi Leopo, the lead actor Alejandro Gallardo and the producer Toiz Rodríguez will be available for interviews during the Berlin International Film Festival. Please contact mm filmpresse to schedule individual slots as soon as possible.