Exclusive Interview: Los Frikis Stars Hector Medina and Eros De La Puente
Few films manage to weave together history, culture, and humanity as beautifully as Los Frikis, a story that sheds light on the punk subculture in 1990s Cuba and the radical sacrifices of a group of individuals who injected themselves with HIV as a means of reclaiming autonomy in a society that sought to suppress their identity. Directed by Mike and Tyler Green, Los Frikis is a deeply moving film that captures the raw spirit of rebellion, brotherhood, and survival against the odds.
Portraying the Brothers
In this exclusive interview, I had the privilege of speaking with the film’s talented leads, Hector Medina (Viva, Sergio & Sergei) and newcomer Eros De La Puente, whose portrayals of two brothers navigating a turbulent cultural and emotional landscape have been widely praised.
Hector Medina on the Punk Subculture
Aayush Sharma: Hector, the punk subculture plays a significant role in shaping your character’s identity. How did the music, costumes, and cultural elements of punk influence and inform your portrayal of him?
Hector Medina: Well, the Rock and Roll Spirit helped me a lot. I mean, being always looking for freedom. And the Cuban tropical punk from Cuba, there is a special band. I mean, to be a punk in Cuba in those times was really hard. And those people were so, so brave. Brave. In Cuba, at that moment, listening to American music was prohibited. To have long hair, was a prohibition. To think differently, was a prohibition. So that and that spirit from the Cuban tropical punk, inspired me a lot. Just being made me be. Being a while, be angry, hungry, and wild. Those are two things that help me a lot.
Eros De La Puente on His Character’s Emotional Journey
Aayush Sharma: Eros, your character, Gustavo, undergoes a complex emotional journey throughout the film. As a first-time actor working on your debut movie, how did you approach portraying your character’s evolving perception of his brother throughout the story?
Eros De La Puente: I think what allowed me to be ready was to be very present. Like, even if I wasn’t acting in that moment, even if I didn’t have that scene, I was there watching my brother’s scene or every, you know, like, just to be aware of what he’s doing so that then it would be easier for me to be sort of like his little brother, because I’m serving this guy, and I’m following this guy. So I would say that was a big step, and not just as a character, like Gustavo and Paco, but I think that everything was planned out beautifully because then he was like my older actor brother. He has way more experience than me, and he was this guy that’s guiding me through the journey. So we kind of went—like, we did exactly the same thing that happened in the movie outside of the movie, you know. I think the process of, like, me trying to be Paco in a weird way or trying to find myself through Paco just happened. Just happened as a byproduct of our amazing relationship. We’re like two others.
The Making of Los Frikis
Aayush Sharma: Hector, you were born in the late 1980s, and this story is set in the 1990s, meaning you were growing up in real life during the time these events were unfolding in Cuba. While growing up, did you hear stories about the lost freakies and people who injected themselves with HIV? Also, did your perception of these individuals change while working on this film?
Hector Medina: Yes, yes. I, I was born in 1989. I remember when I saw the first freaky, I was like five, six years old, and my aunt told me, “Don’t, don’t look at him. Don’t look at him.” Yeah, dd, people, and crazy people. But I was so interested in this, these people that they were so different in, mean, in a, in a communist country, tropical country. Imagine that. That look was so different—long hair, the clothes that they wore. The first time that I saw an electric guitar, the sound, was so different. And then at 13 years, I met Helson, who is alive right now. I think he is the last freaky, the last, the only people who are alive, the only Friki who injected themselves with HIV, who is alive. And I met him at that time, and he was so nice, so kind, always protecting the job, the young guys in the place, because I used to go to this place, where they only put rock and roll music, and it was like a paradise in the middle of my town. It was a different culture, different people. I mean, I fell in love, with those people and so, and got engaged with this story.
Conclusion
Los Frikis is a powerful and moving film that sheds light on a fascinating chapter in Cuban history. The performances by Hector Medina and Eros De La Puente are exceptional, bringing depth and emotion to their characters. The film is a testament to the power of punk rock and the human spirit, and we are excited to see it coming soon to streaming.
FAQs
Q: What is Los Frikis about?
A: Los Frikis is a film that tells the story of the punk subculture in 1990s Cuba and the radical sacrifices of a group of individuals who injected themselves with HIV as a means of reclaiming autonomy in a society that sought to suppress their identity.
Q: Who are the main characters in the film?
A: The main characters in the film are Gustavo and Paco, two brothers who navigate a turbulent cultural and emotional landscape.
Q: What awards has Los Frikis received?
A: Los Frikis has been nominated for 6 awards at the Latino Entertainment Film Awards.
Q: When will Los Frikis be available to stream?
A: Los Frikis is coming soon to streaming.