A gay Cuban man dreams of becoming a drag queen in Paddy Breathnach's "Viva," but for all of its glitz, the heart of the queer-themed drama is a father and son's journey toward mutual acceptance.
In this exclusive clip from the film, Jesus (played by Héctor Medina) opens up about his sexuality in an emotional discussion with his estranged dad (Jorge Perugorría).
The movie, which opens in New York, Los Angeles and Miami on April 29, was a hit at the 2015 Telluride Film Festival and was Ireland's official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards this year. The Miami Herald called the film "surprisingly effective," while The Hollywood Reporter praised its "fresh setting and superb performances."
Breathnach, who also helmed the films "Man About Dog" and "Shrooms," said he was inspired to make the film after seeing some drag shows during a recent visit to Cuba.
"Screenwriter Mark O'Halloran and I wanted to explore a theme of transformation and the alchemy of connecting to deeper truths through the use of artifice," he said in press notes. "I wanted to tell a story where we find light in a dark place and where what is perceived as weakness transforms to be seen as strength."
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