Francella returns to the cinema with Homo Argentum and stirs the debate about Argentine cinema

Guillermo Francella has once again joined forces with Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat to create a film proposal as original as it is ambitious. Homo Argentum, which will arrive in Argentine theaters on August 14, 2025, features 16 mini films ranging from 1 to 12 minutes, each with a different character played by the actor.

Inspired by Italian comedy classics such as I Mostri, Los nuevos monstruos, and Un burgués pequeño, pequeño, the film combines humor, social criticism, and a sharp look at contemporary Argentina.

From idea to screen

The project was born during the filming of the third season of El Encargado. Francella recommended that Cohn and Duprat watch I Mostri (1963), and that suggestion led to a script by Andrés Duprat. Filming took place over nine weeks, at locations in Argentina and Italy, with the support of Star Distribution.

Each vignette is independent, but together they build a multifaceted portrait of the country. The actor portrays everything from a father trying to kick his adult son out of the house, to an "arbolito" working on the streets of Buenos Aires, to a man searching for his Italian roots.

For Cohn and Duprat, it was a reunion with Francella after Mi obra maestra and a continuation of a creative partnership that has already produced titles such as El ciudadano ilustre and Competencia oficial.

A critique that sparked controversy

Days before the premiere, Francella sparked a heated debate about Argentine cinema. In an interview with Migue Granados on OLGA, he stated:

"There are films that win many awards but turn their backs on the audience."

The actor explained that he was referring to films that, although they succeed at international festivals, fail to connect with audiences:

"Four people go to the movies, not even the director's family goes... they're 'works of art' that have no identification. I don't like that kind of cinema."

His statements reignited discussions on social media, especially due to his political stances against Kirchnerism and the divide that ideology has created among his colleagues. 

Despite the controversy, the premiere of Homo Argentum is generating great anticipation and promises to confirm Guillermo Francella as one of the country's most versatile and influential performers.