“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” director Aitch Alberto became emotional talking about the the title characters’ first kiss, which makes for a tense scene in Aristotle’s (Max Pelayo) red pickup truck.
The film, based on the young adult Pen/Faulkner prize-winning novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, tells the eventual love story of two young boys. Aristotle, who goes by Ari, meets Dante (Reese Gonzales) one summer day at the pool. What starts as swimming lessons becomes a fast friendship, which eventually leads to more between the two young Mexican boys from El Paso, Texas.
The friendship faces its first obstacle when Dante and his parents, Sam and Soledad Quintana, move away to Chicago so Sam can take a visiting professorship at the University of Chicago. The Quintanas eventually return to El Paso, and in the period between the move and the joyful reunion between the boys,...
The film, based on the young adult Pen/Faulkner prize-winning novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, tells the eventual love story of two young boys. Aristotle, who goes by Ari, meets Dante (Reese Gonzales) one summer day at the pool. What starts as swimming lessons becomes a fast friendship, which eventually leads to more between the two young Mexican boys from El Paso, Texas.
The friendship faces its first obstacle when Dante and his parents, Sam and Soledad Quintana, move away to Chicago so Sam can take a visiting professorship at the University of Chicago. The Quintanas eventually return to El Paso, and in the period between the move and the joyful reunion between the boys,...
- 9/9/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Jawan, a Hindi action thriller with Bollywood royalty Shah Rukh Khan set opening day records in India that are echoing Stateside. The Yash Raj Films release grossed more than $1.36 million on Thursday at 764 locations, meaning it was the no. 2 movie across North America behind wide release The Eoqualizer 3 with Denzel Washington. It edges up to 827 screens today.
The film directed by Atlee Kumar — about a man driven by a personal vendetta to rectify the wrongs of society and keep a promise made years ago — had some Imax screens too, including NYC’s AMC Empire in Times Square.
Shah Rukh Khan has now broken his own record in India. He also starred in Pathaan, released in January, which topped the local box office for a Hindi-language film.
Indian fare, long a staple of the U.S. theaters, has been even more crucial since Covid given the reliability of audiences that stream...
The film directed by Atlee Kumar — about a man driven by a personal vendetta to rectify the wrongs of society and keep a promise made years ago — had some Imax screens too, including NYC’s AMC Empire in Times Square.
Shah Rukh Khan has now broken his own record in India. He also starred in Pathaan, released in January, which topped the local box office for a Hindi-language film.
Indian fare, long a staple of the U.S. theaters, has been even more crucial since Covid given the reliability of audiences that stream...
- 9/8/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone have scotched plans to pick up a prestigious honor at Outfest, the Los Angeles Lgbtqia+ film festival, and it’s all down to the actors strike.
The Hollywood couple were to have accepted the James Schamus Ally Award at Outfest’s closing night on Sunday but cancelled because of the SAG-AFTRA walkout. The award, named for the co-founder and former CEO of Focus Features, recognizes McCarthy and Falcone’s support and advocacy for the Lgbtqia+ community.
“We understand that Melissa and Ben are unable to join us for our closing night due to the strike,” Outfest Executive Director Damien Navarro said in a statement. “We will miss them, as our closing night will be a wonderful celebration of our community.”
The festival wraps with a gala event at the Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood, featuring a screening of Chasing Chasing Amy, a documentary that...
The Hollywood couple were to have accepted the James Schamus Ally Award at Outfest’s closing night on Sunday but cancelled because of the SAG-AFTRA walkout. The award, named for the co-founder and former CEO of Focus Features, recognizes McCarthy and Falcone’s support and advocacy for the Lgbtqia+ community.
“We understand that Melissa and Ben are unable to join us for our closing night due to the strike,” Outfest Executive Director Damien Navarro said in a statement. “We will miss them, as our closing night will be a wonderful celebration of our community.”
The festival wraps with a gala event at the Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood, featuring a screening of Chasing Chasing Amy, a documentary that...
- 7/21/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with more quotes on actors strike and AI from original 7/14 story: The 41st edition of Outfest is underway in Los Angeles after an opening-night event dominated by talk of the actors strike.
“Let’s also acknowledge the elephant in the room,” Outfest Executive Director Damien Navarro said as he welcomed the festival crowd at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown L.A. “We are living in uncertain times where the very foundation of our industry is being shaken. Actors, writers and creators are facing immense challenges… I want to extend an even deeper and unwavering commitment to every artist and creator in our community who is grappling with the same fears and uncertainties.”
The Lgbtqia+ festival, which runs from July 13-23, kicked off with the narrative feature Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, a drama about two high school boys in Texas and their friendship that develops into a romance.
“Let’s also acknowledge the elephant in the room,” Outfest Executive Director Damien Navarro said as he welcomed the festival crowd at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown L.A. “We are living in uncertain times where the very foundation of our industry is being shaken. Actors, writers and creators are facing immense challenges… I want to extend an even deeper and unwavering commitment to every artist and creator in our community who is grappling with the same fears and uncertainties.”
The Lgbtqia+ festival, which runs from July 13-23, kicked off with the narrative feature Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, a drama about two high school boys in Texas and their friendship that develops into a romance.
- 7/14/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
"If you can't stick by me, it would kill me..." Freestyle Digital Media has unveiled the official trailer for an indie film titled Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, arriving in theaters to watch this September. This first premiered at the 2022 Toronto Film Festival last year, and it also played at the Palm Springs & Miami Film Festivals earlier this year. Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel of the same name, the film centres on the friendship between two young Mexican-American loners in 1987 El Paso, TX who explore a new, unusual friendship and the difficult road to self-discovery. At a swimming pool, two outcast teens – the handsome, troubled Ari and the cultured, confident Dante – become instant friends. But when Dante wants friendship to turn into romance, everything changes. The film stars Max Pelayo, Reese Gonzales, Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Veronica Falcón, and Kevin Alejandro. Fests say this "beautiful,...
- 6/29/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe to open, Chasing Chasing Amy to close Los Angeles fest.
For the first time features by trans filmmakers will bookend Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival (July 13-23), with opener Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe and closing selection Chasing Chasing Amy.
Both Aitch Alberto and Sav Rodgers are alumni of Outfest’s artist development programmes. Alberto took part in the Outfest Screenwriting Lab in 2007 and has returned to mentor young filmmakers in Outfest’s programmes.
Rodgers is an alum of both OutSet – Outfest’s filmmaking lab and...
For the first time features by trans filmmakers will bookend Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival (July 13-23), with opener Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe and closing selection Chasing Chasing Amy.
Both Aitch Alberto and Sav Rodgers are alumni of Outfest’s artist development programmes. Alberto took part in the Outfest Screenwriting Lab in 2007 and has returned to mentor young filmmakers in Outfest’s programmes.
Rodgers is an alum of both OutSet – Outfest’s filmmaking lab and...
- 6/6/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Outfest has lined up its opening and closing night films.
The Los Angeles LGBTQ film festival — scheduled for July 13-23 and presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and Genesis Motor America — will open with Aitch Alberto’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe at the Orpheum Theatre and close with Sav Rodgers’ Chasing Chasing Amy at the Montalbán Theatre.
The selections mark the first time in the fest’s history that both the opening and closing night films come from trans filmmakers. Furthermore, both Alberto and Rodgers hail from Outfest’s artist development programs. Alberto participated in the Outfest screenwriting lab in 2007 and has since served as a mentor to young filmmakers in Outfest programs, while Rodgers participated in Outfest’s OutSet filmmaking lab and mentorship program as well as the screenwriting lab in 2021.
Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s young adult novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the...
The Los Angeles LGBTQ film festival — scheduled for July 13-23 and presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and Genesis Motor America — will open with Aitch Alberto’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe at the Orpheum Theatre and close with Sav Rodgers’ Chasing Chasing Amy at the Montalbán Theatre.
The selections mark the first time in the fest’s history that both the opening and closing night films come from trans filmmakers. Furthermore, both Alberto and Rodgers hail from Outfest’s artist development programs. Alberto participated in the Outfest screenwriting lab in 2007 and has since served as a mentor to young filmmakers in Outfest programs, while Rodgers participated in Outfest’s OutSet filmmaking lab and mentorship program as well as the screenwriting lab in 2021.
Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s young adult novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the...
- 6/6/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 41st annual Outfest, Los Angeles’ premier LGBTQ+ film festival, is making history with its 2023 lineup.
The festival (July 13-23) will for the first time open and close with films created by trans artists: “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” (directed by Aitch Alberto) will kick off the festivities on July 13, with the 11-day event closing with “Chasing Chasing Amy” (directed by Sav Rodgers). The Opening Night Gala will screen at the Orpheum Theatre, with the Closing Night Gala screening at The Montalbán Theatre. More films in the lineup will be announced soon.
These events also represent a homecoming for both Alberto and Rodgers, both of whom are alumni of Outfest’s Artist Development programs.
“Aristotle and Dante,” based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s beloved young adult novel, centers on the friendship between two teenage Mexican-American boys in 1987 El Paso. Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales star along with Eugenio Derbez,...
The festival (July 13-23) will for the first time open and close with films created by trans artists: “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” (directed by Aitch Alberto) will kick off the festivities on July 13, with the 11-day event closing with “Chasing Chasing Amy” (directed by Sav Rodgers). The Opening Night Gala will screen at the Orpheum Theatre, with the Closing Night Gala screening at The Montalbán Theatre. More films in the lineup will be announced soon.
These events also represent a homecoming for both Alberto and Rodgers, both of whom are alumni of Outfest’s Artist Development programs.
“Aristotle and Dante,” based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s beloved young adult novel, centers on the friendship between two teenage Mexican-American boys in 1987 El Paso. Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales star along with Eugenio Derbez,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Today, Outfest announced the Opening and Closing Night gala film selections for the 41st edition of the Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival, taking place from July 13 – 23 in Los Angeles, presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and Genesis Motor America. The festival will open with Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, directed by Aitch Alberto, and the 11-day event will close with Chasing Chasing Amy, directed by Sav Rodgers. The Opening Night Gala will screen at the Orpheum Theatre, with the Closing Night Gala screening at The Montalbán Theatre.
This marks the first time in Outfest’s history that both Opening and Closing night will feature films made by trans artists, underlining the deep roster of trans, non-binary, and intersex talent working in the entertainment industry as well as the diversity of trans storytelling at this moment in history. These events also represent a homecoming for both Alberto and Rodgers,...
This marks the first time in Outfest’s history that both Opening and Closing night will feature films made by trans artists, underlining the deep roster of trans, non-binary, and intersex talent working in the entertainment industry as well as the diversity of trans storytelling at this moment in history. These events also represent a homecoming for both Alberto and Rodgers,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired North American rights to “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” a queer coming-of-age story about two teens who form a special bond after a chance meeting one summer. The sale comes a few months after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Blue Fox is planning a wide theatrical release of the film this summer, though the exact date has yet to be determined. Blue Fox’s international division is handling the international sales.
“It’s rare when a best-selling book, talented crew, amazing director and cast all come together to create a ‘must see’ film, and we are very proud to bring ‘Aristotle and Dante’ to audiences across the U.S.,” said Blue Fox executive James Huntsman.
Filmmaker Aitch Alberto wrote and directed “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” marking her directorial debut. It’s based on...
Blue Fox is planning a wide theatrical release of the film this summer, though the exact date has yet to be determined. Blue Fox’s international division is handling the international sales.
“It’s rare when a best-selling book, talented crew, amazing director and cast all come together to create a ‘must see’ film, and we are very proud to bring ‘Aristotle and Dante’ to audiences across the U.S.,” said Blue Fox executive James Huntsman.
Filmmaker Aitch Alberto wrote and directed “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” marking her directorial debut. It’s based on...
- 4/18/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Coming-of-age story based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel.
Blue Fox Entertainment has launched AFM sales talks on TIFF selection Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The coming-of-age film is written and directed by Aitch Alberto and features breakout performances from young leads Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales alongside Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Veronica Falcon, and Kevin Alejandro.
Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel, the film centres on the friendship between two teenage Mexican-American loners in 1987 El Paso who explore a new, unusual friendship and the difficult road to self-discovery.
Blue Fox Entertainment has launched AFM sales talks on TIFF selection Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The coming-of-age film is written and directed by Aitch Alberto and features breakout performances from young leads Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales alongside Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Veronica Falcon, and Kevin Alejandro.
Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel, the film centres on the friendship between two teenage Mexican-American loners in 1987 El Paso who explore a new, unusual friendship and the difficult road to self-discovery.
- 11/3/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, written and directed by Aitch Alberto, is a film about two queer Mexican boys who discover deep secrets within themselves over the course of a school year. The movie is an adaptation of Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel of the same name.
Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza (Max Pelayo) opens the film by introducing the audience to his family and life as a high school student. He’s not interested in being one of the cool kids and wants something more than a provincial life in 1985 New Mexico. A chance encounter with Dante (Reese Gonzales), a young man Ari meets at the local pool, leads to an intense connection between the two of them. Aristotle’s father, Jamie (Eugenio Derbez), mopes about the house in a melancholic mood, which is why he’s closer to his mother, Liliana (Veronica Falcon). She takes...
Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza (Max Pelayo) opens the film by introducing the audience to his family and life as a high school student. He’s not interested in being one of the cool kids and wants something more than a provincial life in 1985 New Mexico. A chance encounter with Dante (Reese Gonzales), a young man Ari meets at the local pool, leads to an intense connection between the two of them. Aristotle’s father, Jamie (Eugenio Derbez), mopes about the house in a melancholic mood, which is why he’s closer to his mother, Liliana (Veronica Falcon). She takes...
- 9/10/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Don’t forget to pack your wallet.
Hollywood is hitting the Toronto International Film Festival this week hoping to land the next buzzy breakout. After two years of virtual or reduced capacity gatherings as a Covid-era concession, the film business is back in force, and that means deals, deals and more deals.
Here’s a look at some of the hottest movies on offer — the kinds of splashy projects that could result in the next massive sale.
Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Director: Aitch Alberto
Cast: Max Pelayo, Reese Gonzales, Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Veronica Falcón, Kevin Alejandro
Sales agent: UTA
Buzz factor: This touching story of two teenage boys in 1987 El Paso whose friendship both deepens and is challenged in surprising ways will leave audiences reaching for the tissues. It also marks the feature debut of Alberto, an exciting new filmmaking talent, who deftly adapts Benjamin Alire Sáenz...
Hollywood is hitting the Toronto International Film Festival this week hoping to land the next buzzy breakout. After two years of virtual or reduced capacity gatherings as a Covid-era concession, the film business is back in force, and that means deals, deals and more deals.
Here’s a look at some of the hottest movies on offer — the kinds of splashy projects that could result in the next massive sale.
Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Director: Aitch Alberto
Cast: Max Pelayo, Reese Gonzales, Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Veronica Falcón, Kevin Alejandro
Sales agent: UTA
Buzz factor: This touching story of two teenage boys in 1987 El Paso whose friendship both deepens and is challenged in surprising ways will leave audiences reaching for the tissues. It also marks the feature debut of Alberto, an exciting new filmmaking talent, who deftly adapts Benjamin Alire Sáenz...
- 9/9/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin, Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
As they say here north of the border: Time to drop the puck on the 2022 Toronto Film Festival.
The weather is beautiful, and they’ve cordoned off King Street from the Lightbox to Roy Thomson Hall. People are getting their bearings, most not wearing masks in the open air. This is a sight better than last year, when the cable cars were not rerouted from King Street because so few came for the festivities. Not surprisingly, not a single major deal happened on the ground as the festivals and specialty theatrical business were still feeling the fallout from Covid.
Toronto Film Festival: Deadline’s Complete Coverage
Will this year be any better? Some believe it certainly can’t get worse. Buyers and sellers expect the pace to be on the slow side, with some possible exceptions. I hear that the hot title is one that isn’t officially on the for-sale lists,...
The weather is beautiful, and they’ve cordoned off King Street from the Lightbox to Roy Thomson Hall. People are getting their bearings, most not wearing masks in the open air. This is a sight better than last year, when the cable cars were not rerouted from King Street because so few came for the festivities. Not surprisingly, not a single major deal happened on the ground as the festivals and specialty theatrical business were still feeling the fallout from Covid.
Toronto Film Festival: Deadline’s Complete Coverage
Will this year be any better? Some believe it certainly can’t get worse. Buyers and sellers expect the pace to be on the slow side, with some possible exceptions. I hear that the hot title is one that isn’t officially on the for-sale lists,...
- 9/8/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Olivia Mascheroni has joined Verve Ventures. She will be part of a growing independent sales and financing team that is led by Amy Beecroft and Ross Putman.
Mascheroni most recently served as director of Ddvelopment at Madre Venturers, a venture capital firm, and served as executive of new media at The Blacklist prior to that. She has also held positions at both Blumhouse and CAA, where she worked in both the Television and Motion Picture Literary Departments.
“Coming over feels like coming home,” says Mascheroni. “I know so many of the people who work here and admire what they do. And there’s such a great creative approach to things that offers a lot to filmmakers and allows us to make great independent projects.”
Verve’s talent team has quadrupled in size since last year and the film team says it expects to continue expanding.
“Olivia is joining us because...
Mascheroni most recently served as director of Ddvelopment at Madre Venturers, a venture capital firm, and served as executive of new media at The Blacklist prior to that. She has also held positions at both Blumhouse and CAA, where she worked in both the Television and Motion Picture Literary Departments.
“Coming over feels like coming home,” says Mascheroni. “I know so many of the people who work here and admire what they do. And there’s such a great creative approach to things that offers a lot to filmmakers and allows us to make great independent projects.”
Verve’s talent team has quadrupled in size since last year and the film team says it expects to continue expanding.
“Olivia is joining us because...
- 2/11/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Aitch Alberto to make feature directorial debut, adapted screenplay from YA novel.
Eugenio Derbez and Eva Longoria are among cast to join Limelight’s Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe.
Aitch Alberto will make her feature directorial debut and adapted the screenplay from the YA novel of the same name by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. The story centres on the friendship between Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana, two Mexican American boys on the cusp of manhood who form a life-changing bond after a chance meeting at an El Paso pool in the summer of 1987.
Cast includes Max Pelayo,...
Eugenio Derbez and Eva Longoria are among cast to join Limelight’s Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe.
Aitch Alberto will make her feature directorial debut and adapted the screenplay from the YA novel of the same name by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. The story centres on the friendship between Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana, two Mexican American boys on the cusp of manhood who form a life-changing bond after a chance meeting at an El Paso pool in the summer of 1987.
Cast includes Max Pelayo,...
- 10/11/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales, Veronica Falcón, Isabella Gomez, Luna Blaise and Kevin Alejandro have been set to star in Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, a feature film adaptation of Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel. Aitch Alberto wrote the script and will make her directorial debut on the pic, which is being financing and produced by Limelight alongside 3Pas Studios and Big Swing Productions, in association with Boies Schiller Entertainment. The film counts Derbez, Kyra Sedgwick and Lin-Manuel Miranda among its producers.
Aristotle and Dante, originally published in 2014, centers on the friendship between Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza (to be played by Pelayo) and Dante Quintana (Gonzales), two Mexican American boys on the cusp of manhood who form a life-changing bond after a chance meeting at an El Paso pool in the summer of 1987.
Alberto’s writing credits include the HBO Max drama...
Aristotle and Dante, originally published in 2014, centers on the friendship between Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza (to be played by Pelayo) and Dante Quintana (Gonzales), two Mexican American boys on the cusp of manhood who form a life-changing bond after a chance meeting at an El Paso pool in the summer of 1987.
Alberto’s writing credits include the HBO Max drama...
- 10/11/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Eugenio Derbez and Eva Longoria will star in a film adaptation of the young adult story Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, which has Lin-Manuel Miranda as a producer.
Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales will play the titular heroes, with Veronica Falcón, Isabella Gomez, Luna Blaise and Kevin Alejandro also joining the cast. The movie will serve as the directorial debut for Aitch Alberto, who adapted the screenplay from the novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz.
The movie centers on the friendship between Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana, two Mexican American boys on the cusp of manhood who form a ...
Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales will play the titular heroes, with Veronica Falcón, Isabella Gomez, Luna Blaise and Kevin Alejandro also joining the cast. The movie will serve as the directorial debut for Aitch Alberto, who adapted the screenplay from the novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz.
The movie centers on the friendship between Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana, two Mexican American boys on the cusp of manhood who form a ...
- 10/11/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
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