LA BALADA DE HORTENSIA to hit U.S. theaters nationwide on May 2

(Info from press release)

A Bold and Hilarious Take on Identity, Gender, and Redemption from renowned Director Arturo Menéndez

After shattering box office records in Latin America, La Balada de Hortensia made history in El Salvador as the highest-grossing local film ever released. Now, the critically acclaimed dark comedy is set to captivate U.S. audiences when it opens in theaters nationwide on May 2. Directed by acclaimed Salvadoran filmmaker Arturo Menéndez (Malacrianza, Pablo’s Word), this dark comedy delivers a thought-provoking, laugh-out-loud experience that blends satire, social commentary, and a heartfelt journey of self-discovery.

Starring Julio Yúdice, the Salvadoran comedian behind the beloved character La Tenchis, alongside Francisco Gattorno, Helena Haro, and Lourdes Chávez, La Balada de Hortensia tells the story of Alex, a self-absorbed comedian who wakes up trapped in the body of a woman – Hortensia - after a reckless accident. As he navigates his new reality, Alex must confront gender dynamics, societal norms, and his own shortcomings, leading to a hilarious and eye-opening transformation.

Rooted in Salvadoran culture but universally relatable, La Balada de Hortensia explores gender identity, redemption, and the power of empathy, all wrapped in sharp humor and an engaging narrative. With a visual style reminiscent of Succession and a gripping screenplay by Javier Reyna, the film stands out as a bold and refreshing entry into Latin American cinema.

“This film is more than just a comedy - it’s a mirror reflecting societal expectations with humor and heart,” says director Arturo Menéndez. “We’re thrilled to bring La Balada de Hortensia to U.S. audiences and continue the conversation about identity, self-discovery, and second chances.”

Produced by Elias Axume, the film features a dynamic creative team, including cinematographer Fran Moreno, composer María Magaña, and editor Federico Krill Granados.

"With its irreverent humor, stellar performances, and socially conscious storytelling, La Balada de Hortensia is poised to resonate with Latino and mainstream audiences alike, reinforcing the power of Latin American stories on the big screen. This film is a testament to the creativity and boldness of Latin American cinema, and we are excited to share it with audiences in the U.S. It’s a story that entertains, challenges, and sparks conversation - everything great cinema should do." said producer Elias Axume.

Synopsis
ALEX, a renowned and successful Latino comedian known for his portrayal of the comic character La Tenchis, has become a self-absorbed narcissist, neglecting his family and indulging in a hedonistic lifestyle of partying and infidelity. After a reckless night, Alex steals a car and gets into a catastrophic accident while intoxicated. Inexplicably, he wakes up in the body of a woman named HORTENSIA, who is trapped in an abusive marriage with the chauvinistic DAGOBERTO. Despite being stuck in Hortensia’s body, Alex desperately tries to reclaim his old identity while his real body remains in a coma at the hospital. As Alex navigates life in Hortensia’s body, he learns powerful lessons about the experiences of women and uncovers a sinister plot by TV executives to eliminate him. With the help of his talent agent, MAURICIO, Hortensia forms an alliance to regain her true self. She intervenes just in time to stop a hitman from killing Alex, ultimately foiling the executives’ plan.

Overcome with guilt, Hortensia makes the heartbreaking decision to disconnect the life support of her comatose male body. Miraculously, she awakens as Alex once again, now filled with gratitude and a newfound awareness.

Upon returning home, Alex surprises his family with a heartfelt apology for his past actions. His family forgives him, and together they embark on a journey of healing and redemption, marking a fresh start for all.

About Premiere Entertainment
PREMIERE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP is a production, financing, and sales company that has thrived since it first opened. PEG has most recently acquired Tribeca satirical comedy NUKED starring Anna Camp and Justin Bartha; sci-fi horror OUTBREAK starring Billy Burke; family comedy F PLUS starring Randy Couture and Jennifer Esposito; rom-com PLAN B starring Jon Heder; murder mystery WHAT REMAINS starring Kellan Lutz and Anne Heche; horror cult favorite WINNIE-THE-POOH: BLOOD AND HONEY. PEG’s library includes NO FUTURE starring Catherine Keener, Charlie Heaton, and Rosa Salazar; Paul Schrader’s THERE ARE NO SAINTS starring Paz Vega, Tim Roth, and Ron Perlman; LITTLE ACCIDENTS starring Elizabeth Banks; U.S. box office hit FOREVER MY GIRL; MATCH starring Patrick Stewart; sci-fi horror DEVIL’S GATE starring Milo Ventimiglia; road trip thriller SCENIC ROUTE starring Josh Duhamel; THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW starring Asa Butterfield; LOST TRANSMISSIONS starring Simon Pegg and Juno Temple; and Ava DuVernay’s MIDDLE OF NOWHERE.

PEG recently wrapped production on the Salvadoran civil war epic FIREFLIES AT EL MOZOTE starring Paz Vega and released THE BALLAD OF HORTENSIA becoming the highest grossing local film in El Salvador history. Recent releases through Saban Films include border town thriller DESERT DAWN starring Kellan Lutz and Cam Gigandet; RUTHLESS starring Dermot Mulroney; and revenge thriller DUE JUSTICE starring Kellan Lutz. Previous PEG original productions include SHRAPNEL with Jason Patric, BLACK WARRANT with Tom Berenger and Cam Gigandet, heist thriller BLOWBACK starring Randy Couture and Cam Gigandet, LOCKED IN starring Mena Suvari, THE COMMANDO with Mickey Rourke and Michael Jai White, and NIGHT OF THE SICARIO starring Natasha Henstridge all released via Saban Films and Paramount Pictures. PEG is currently in pre-production on LOVE UNEXPECTED starring Britt Robertson.
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