Julio Torres’s directorial debut, Problemista, made a splash in the indie film scene over the weekend. With an impressive per-screen average, the film grossed $140.9k on just five screens in New York and LA. Audiences flocked to see this surreal comedy starring Torres and Tilda Swinton, resulting in multiple sold-out Q&As and a PSA of $28k. The strong exits at all locations indicate that Problemista is capturing the hearts of viewers. The film follows a young toy designer from El Salvador as he navigates the complexities of New York City and the U.S. immigration system. After premiering at SXSW last year, Problemista is now set to expand to select top markets this weekend, with a nationwide rollout on the horizon.
The Oscar-Nominated Shorts program, presented by ShortsTV and Magnolia, continues to draw audiences in its third week. With a solid $330k gross on 258 screens, the program looks poised to surpass last year’s earnings of $3.025 million. Notably, the program has already grossed $200k more this year than at the same point in 2023. Comprising three feature-length films for animated, live-action, and documentary shorts, the program peaked in 2019 with a gross of $3.53 million. As the current earnings approach that milestone, it is possible that the program may hit or exceed that figure this year, with even greater potential for the future.
Making its debut over the weekend was Shayda, the first feature film from Iranian-Australian director Noora Niasari. Despite a modest three-day gross of $10k on two screens, Shayda marks the beginning of what could be a promising career for the director. It will be interesting to see how Niasari’s filmmaking style evolves and resonates with audiences in the coming years.
In addition to the new releases, Oscar-nominated holdovers such as Neon’s Perfect Days and Searchlight Pictures’ Poor Things continue to perform well at the box office. Perfect Days, directed by Wim Wenders, grossed a strong $480k in its fourth week on 271 screens, bringing its cumulative earnings to $2.2 million. Meanwhile, Poor Things, helmed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone, earned $400k at 550 locations, contributing to a domestic total of $33 million. These steady performances demonstrate the enduring appeal of these critically acclaimed films.
Overall, the independent film landscape is thriving with a diverse array of titles drawing audiences to theaters. As more unique voices and visions emerge in cinema, audiences can look forward to discovering hidden gems and supporting filmmakers who push boundaries and defy expectations.