Problemista

Alejandro, a young and ambitious toy designer, has traveled all the way from El Salvador to New York City to chase his passion for designing innovative and unique toys. However, his dreams quickly turn into a nightmare as he struggles to make ends meet and find acceptance in the competitive toy design industry. Despite his best efforts, Alejandro's unusual ideas and unconventional approach to toy design are constantly met with skepticism and rejection by top toy companies. As the days turn into weeks, Alejandro's time on his work visa begins to run out, and he finds himself facing a daunting reality: he may have to return to El Salvador without realizing his dream of becoming a successful toy designer. Feeling desperate and lost, Alejandro reaches out to a local community center that provides resources and support for immigrants. It's there that he meets his new employer, a reclusive and erratic artist named Carlos. Carlos is a former art-world darling who has lost his grip on mainstream success. He's now on the fringes of society, struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life. Despite his erratic behavior, Carlos is a talented artist with a keen eye for creativity, and he sees something in Alejandro that no one else does: potential. Carlos offers Alejandro a job as his assistant, which comes with an unusual set of conditions: Alejandro must design and create an entire room in Carlos's eccentric art studio, and in return, Carlos will provide Alejandro with a work visa extension. Alejandro is initially hesitant, but he sees this as his only chance to stay in the country and pursue his dreams. He accepts the job and quickly sets out to create a world-class toy design in Carlos's makeshift studio. As he works tirelessly to bring his vision to life, Alejandro begins to learn the intricacies of Carlos's mind and the driving forces behind his eccentric behavior. Through their daily interactions, Alejandro gains a deeper understanding of the struggles that Carlos faces, both as an artist and as a human being. As the days turn into weeks, Alejandro's toy design begins to take shape, but not without a few unexpected twists and turns. Carlos's unpredictability throws Alejandro's carefully laid plans into chaos, forcing him to adapt and think outside the box. Despite the challenges, Alejandro remains committed to his project, driven by his passion for creativity and his determination to stay in the country. Through Carlos, Alejandro gains access to a network of eccentric artists, musicians, and performers who inhabit the fringes of the art world. They become his allies, mentors, and confidants, offering valuable insights and support as he navigates the ups and downs of his creative journey. Meanwhile, Alejandro's experiences with Carlos force him to confront his own identity and purpose. As a product of El Salvador's cultural melting pot, Alejandro has always struggled to reconcile his Latin American heritage with his American dreams. Through his work with Carlos, Alejandro discovers a new sense of pride and ownership over his heritage, which he incorporates into his toy designs and his creative process. As the final deadline approaches, Alejandro's toy design is finally complete, and it's unlike anything Carlos has ever seen. The creation is a fusion of traditional Salvadoran culture and modern technology, with intricate wooden carvings, vibrant colors, and an unforgettable sense of whimsy. Carlos is moved to tears by Alejandro's creation, and for the first time in years, he feels a sense of connection and belonging. The Problemista toy design becomes an overnight sensation, attracting attention from top toy companies and collectors from around the world. Alejandro's career as a professional toy designer is finally taking off, and he has Carlos and his art-world outcasts to thank for it. However, as Alejandro's star begins to rise, he must confront his newfound success and the choices he's made along the way. Has Alejandro's journey as a Problemista toy designer been worth the sacrifice? Has he compromised his artistic vision to fit in with the art world? Or has he managed to stay true to himself while embracing the complexities and challenges of his creative journey? As Alejandro looks to the future, one thing is certain: his life as a toy designer, and a Problemista, will never be the same.