Jenny Slate discusses childbirth and motherhood in her new comedy special, while Julio Torres shares his experiences growing up in El Salvador as a gay atheist. Torres discusses feeling like an alien in the U.S. on a student visa and draws on those experiences for his new satirical film, Problemista.
Jenny Slate discusses the challenges and joys of childbirth and motherhood in her comedy special.
Julio Torres shares his immigration struggles and how they influenced his satirical film 'Problemista'.
Deep dives
Jenny Slate's Comedy Journey: From Birth to Marcel the Shell
Jenny Slate reflects on her journey from pregnancy to motherhood, sharing insights from her new comedy special 'Seasoned Professional'. She details the challenges and joys of giving birth, her experience in animated films and shows like Marcel the Shell, and her role in movies like Obvious Child and Parks and Recreation.
Julio Torres' Satirical Film: Navigating Immigration Obstacles
Julio Torres discusses his debut satirical film 'Problemista', inspired by his personal experiences navigating the US immigration system. The film's storyline explores the challenges immigrants face, using dark comedy to highlight bureaucratic hurdles and financial obstacles. Torres shares how his own visa struggles influenced the film's narrative and characters.
The Creation of 'Problemista': Challenges and Inspirations
In 'Problemista', the characters blend problem solving and creation, symbolizing Torres' attraction to handling difficulties and making them into art. The movie evokes a blend of fictional challenges and real-life experiences, showcasing Torres' visual storytelling skills influenced by his mother's background in design and architecture.
Life Experiences and Creative Influences: Alienation and Diversity
Torres candidly shares personal challenges he faced growing up, from feeling like an outsider due to his atheism in a Catholic country to his journey as a gay individual. His transition to a more rustic setting in El Salvador and subsequent move to New York reveals his drive towards creativity and his attraction to unconventional individuals, shaping his approach to storytelling and filmmaking.
Jenny Slate talks about childbirth and motherhood, the subjects of her new comedy special, Seasoned Professional. She'll do the voices of some of her animated characters, including Marcel from her Oscar-nominated film Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.
Also, we hear from comic/actor Julio Torres. Growing up in El Salvador as a gay atheist he says he felt like an alien. Then he literally was labeled an "alien" when he came to the U.S. on a student visa. He's drawn on those experiences to write, direct and star in the new satirical film Problemista.