Film Explores What It Means To Be A Latino Man Today ‘Daddy’s Boy’ Among Breakout Films from This Week’s NewFest Film Festive

By Mark Dawson

Minority characters with complex identity issues has become a hallmark for out film writer and director Daniel Armando. His previous film, What it Was, focused on women’s gender and sexuality, telling the story of a successful Latina actress who returns to New York from Hollywood and is forced to confront her sordid past. His new film, Daddy’s Boy, explores connections among Latino men as they allow themselves to break free from society’s strict rules on machismo.

“In Latino culture, and most cultures, men are taught to suppress their feelings and to never communicate them, especially to other men,” he explains.

Armando believes the emphasis on masculinity in Latin American culture is a learned one, passed on from father to son through generations. Growing up gay, he admits struggling to win the approval of a Mexican father who could not accept behaviors he viewed as flamboyant in his son. Armando’s strained relationship with his father inspired him to create Daddy’s Boy.

“It was a chance to discover my father,” he continues. “To explore the man he was before he decided to get married and have children. There's a whole part of his life before me that I'll never really know.”

Daddy’s Boy centers around Manuel (Jonathan Iglesias) and Max (Al Miro), making their way to New York City’s red light district; Manuel's older brother, Jorge (James Korni), dancing away the emotional toll of an abusive relationship; and Fabian (Joe Lopez), a Puerto Rican father, hiding his homosexuality. When the worlds of these four men collide, they explore the depths of their gender and sexuality and each is changed forever.

The film made its New York debut this past weekend at NewFest, New York’s LGBT film festival. It’s where we caught up with director Daniel Armando.

How was your experience at Newfest?

Daniel Armando: Newfest was awesome! It was our second time screening with them. They always have phenomenal audiences.

How does Newfest compare to film festivals in other cities?

Daniel Armando: New York is our hometown so its always great to be able to have friends and family in attendance. The film is set in NYC so to share it with a New York audience was very exciting.

What did your friends and family think of ‘Daddy’s Boy’?

Daniel Armando: I’m relieved that everyone enjoyed it. It’s gotten a great response from audiences across the country but its very special to get the support from the people who matter most.

What does it mean to have your film screen at Newfest?

Daniel Armando: It means a lot to be a part of Newfest. It is one the nation’s leading LGBT film festivals and it's an honor for any filmmaker to have their work selected by them. The festival champions some really outstanding movies and has a huge presence in the NYC film scene.

Is the hope now that ‘Daddy’s Boy’ will be picked up by a major distributor?

Daniel Armando: Yes, the goal is to make it accessible so everyone can see it. We’ve had a great festival run. We are currently going through the distribution phase and plan on getting the film out on the VOD platforms by early next year.

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