The premiere of Homo Argentum, Guillermo Francella's new film, sparked a heated exchange between supporters and detractors.
Meanwhile, the film, which presents itself as a satire on national identity and Argentine customs, broke box office records on its first day, but did not meet with the same success among specialized critics.
In this context, José María Listorti replied and expressed his outrage at the negative comments directed at the actor and his latest cinematic production.
From his show on Radio Pop, the comedian and host spoke out firmly against the criticism.
"Guillermo's film achieved a historic record: 76,000 people on the first day. It's a success. I'm very outraged by the terrible criticism it has received, from people who haven't seen it and won't see it, especially from expert critics who make a living from this and who trashed it," he said.
Listorti emphasized that, in his view, there is a contradiction among the same critics who point out the crisis in national cinema but, at the same time, attack a production that caused jobs in the industry.
"Those who criticized this film are the same ones who tear their clothes and say there is no national cinema and no work for actors," he pointed out.
He also called for a bit more "restraint" when expressing opinions: "You can say you didn't like it with a bit more euphemism so as not to trash it. It makes me angry when criticism is malicious. They're the same ones who criticize and then complain that there is no work for people who make films."
In line with Francella, Listorti also supported his statements about INCAA, emphasizing: "We must respect each other's work. Those of us who work in this industry support INCAA, but only when it's well managed. Because the previous administration was not good."
On the other side, cultural journalist Osvaldo Quiroga was categorical during an interview on Intrusos. His analysis was scathing: "The film, in my opinion, is terrible. It has to do with Francella's idea of cinema. I mention the idea of cinema, which can't be for just four people. He's in agreement with the terrible policy the government is carrying out against cinema, theater, and culture."
Quiroga also questioned some of Francella's statements regarding the role of INCAA and its funding. "I'm struck by the fact that someone even minimally intelligent, like an actor with such a long career, could say that an institute is not cinema. INCAA was there to fund films by people who are just starting out," he stated.
