Felipe Solari Yrigoyen is set to direct his first film, 'The Amateurs', which explores a chaotic film convention in Patagonia.
Felipe Solari Yrigoyen, a veteran assistant director, is making his directorial debut with the forthcoming film The Amateurs, a crime comedy set against the backdrop of a film convention in Patagonia. Announced by Variety on September 4, 2026, this project is a milestone in his career, following a decade of collaboration with renowned filmmakers in South America.
The Amateurs centers around a chaotic film convention where a group of eccentric characters—including personas reminiscent of the Joker and Marilyn Monroe—get entangled in the theft of a prized Maltese Falcon statuette. The convention's atmosphere becomes increasingly frenetic as an unexpected band of amateur sleuths emerges to solve the mystery. This film, recently highlighted at Venice's Gap-Financing Market, indicates a significant interest in its nuanced blend of humor and crime, targeted at audiences looking for both entertainment and depth.
Before stepping into the director's role, Solari Yrigoyen honed his skills working with acclaimed directors such as Rodrigo Moreno (The Delinquents) and Santiago Mitre (Villaflor). He believes that these formative experiences have deeply shaped his filmmaking style. Inspired by his time on set, Solari Yrigoyen aims to blend humor with distinctive storytelling to engage audiences on various levels. He remarks, "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."
The decision to embark on The Amateurs comes during a challenging period for the Argentinian film industry, marked by significant funding cuts under the current administration. Despite these hurdles, Solari Yrigoyen is determined to contribute to Argentinian cinema. He emphasizes the need for continual production, highlighting that the project has garnered support from both the Chilean Film Fund and an Argentinian grant aimed at first-time filmmakers. He states, "It’s sad, but we’ve got to fight through it. We need to reverse this very bad moment for Argentinian cinema."
Solari Yrigoyen believes his extensive background as an assistant director equips him to handle the complexities of directing The Amateurs. He views this experience as a crucial asset, enabling him to navigate the production process more adeptly. He notes, "I’ve learned a lot from the directors I’ve worked with, and I'm drawing from that wealth of knowledge as I take on this new role."
Felipe Solari Yrigoyen’s directorial debut represents not just a personal achievement, but a significant step forward for Argentinian cinema amidst current adversities. By leveraging his extensive experience and unique vision, Solari Yrigoyen aspires to create a film that resonates deeply with audiences, showcasing the richness of Argentinian culture. He stresses that while producing a film exclusively in Argentina is tough, The Amateurs is part of a broader trend toward regional collaboration and co-production in South America. As production approaches, his commitment to storytelling and cultural representation remains unwavering.
For more insights into upcoming projects in the entertainment industry, check out our articles on Howard Stern's new show and the thriller Mataviejitas.
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