Release of “Problemista” suspended by A24 during the SAG-AFTRA strike

“Problemist” ran into a problem with its theatrical release.

Distributor A24 has officially delayed the Aug. 4 premiere of the Julio Torres film, which debuted at 2023 SXSW. A new release date will be determined later; the news comes after Amazon pushed back Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” and Lionsgate delayed the release of “White Bird.” Expiration first reported on the “Problemist” delay, which IndieWire confirmed.

Deadline was first reporting that A24 decided to release “Problemista” once the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike was resolved, so that writer/director/actor Torres and co-star Tilda Swinton could be available to promote the indie film with the press. The launch was to begin with a limited release while Torres was having a press tour with screenings and Q&As. The film will still be shown in a sold out Outfest showcase on Saturday in Los Angeles.

“Problemista” follows Alejandro (Torres), an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador who is struggling to bring his offbeat ideas to life in New York City. As time runs out on her work visa, a job assisting an art-world outcast (Swinton) becomes her only hope of staying in the country and fulfilling his dream. Torres writes and directs the surreal adventure film that shows the pitfalls of the equally treacherous worlds of New York City and the US immigration system.

Also starring RZA, Greta Lee, Catalina Saavedra, James Scully, Larry Owens, Laith Nakli, Kelly McCormack, Spike Einbinder, Greta Titelman and River L. Ramirez, narrated by Isabella Rossellini. The film marks Torres’ directorial debut, based on the HBO series “Los Espookys.”

Torres produces the film, along with Dave McCary and Ali Herting of Emma Stone and Fruit Tree.

IndieWire’s review praised Torres’ depiction of the immigrant experience, writing, “Torres offers perhaps the best film about the Latino experience in the United States since SXSW. The otherworldly magical realism helps heighten the absurdity of the immigration system without weighing on the humor of the story. Torres attributes the same frustration to the smallest inconveniences as to the big systematic issues.