Irish Director John Butler's Hollywood debut - PAPI CHULO - In Cinemas 7th June
Posted: 22nd May 2019
Irish Writer / Director John Butler, of box office hits The Stag and Handsome Devil, brings the eagerly-awaited PAPI CHULO to Irish audiences on 7 June.
Papi Chulo sees the Irish film-maker return to the themes of empathy and unlikely friendship, in his first feature shot outside of Ireland, with a host of international stars attached. The film screened at Toronto International Film Festival and most recently was the Opening Gala at Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival with Hollywood stars Matt Bomer and Alejandro Patiño in attendance, where it received a glowing audience reception.
Cast adrift in Los Angeles, Sean – a lonely TV weatherman (Golden Globe winner Matt Bomer – Will & Grace, The Nice Guys, Magic Mike) drives past a middle-aged Latino migrant worker (Alejandro Patiño – Desperate Housewives, Always Sunny in Philadelphia) standing outside a hardware store looking for work. He decides to hire this kind-looking man – to be his friend. Sean is young, gay and white; Ernesto, portly, straight and married. Despite having nothing in common and the language barrier, they build a sort of friendship – until Sean becomes consumed with a deeper obsessive need.
Papi Chulo is a heartwarming and poignant tale of finding friendship in the most unlikely places.
Rob Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan produce for Treasure Entertainment, with financing by Screen Ireland, Head Gear Films, RTÉ and Windmill Lane.