With “Alberto,” we’ve set out to give you a bold and unique experience. Yes, it’s witty, kinetic, silly, talky, thoughtful, entertaining… but so are many things. What makes it “Alberto”?
NOT YOUR HOLLYWOOD ADVENTURE FILM
This is Indiana Jones taken out of the ancient ruins and thrown into an urban, everyday world. Not larger-than-life, but low-fi reality. Instead of fight scenes with rough-and-tumble baddies, we get personality clashes with rough-and-tumble dialogue. Instead of an arduous quest for a fabled object, it’s a quest to get unstuck from the city. Full of real-life messiness and cosmic irony.
NEW NEW YORK
“Alberto” is set in a very familiar city, but with an unusual sense of context.
Google-ized Indiana-Jones-style maps show where scenes are in relation to each other.
Camerawork and Google Earth animations show the geography of the city and pinpoint the characters within it…
…as well as highlight the physical space, turning New York into a giant obstacle course.
These are not blocked-off film sets. “Alberto” was filmed guerilla style with a tiny camera to maneuver among real pedestrians living their lives. In some cases, we even got them to participate.
The result is a fictional story that feels like a real world journey among real people. And a style that can be expanded on for sequels or other projects, in various other cities.
MAKING IT WAS
PULLING OFF A HEIST
50+ supporting actors… Across the 5 NYC boroughs… Filming tiny pieces here and there with just the director and camera… Ultra-low budget… It was real DIY indie spirit, channeled into large-scale ambition.
MELTING POT
A cast and crew of all different backgrounds… “Alberto” simply accepts this as the city’s norm without making a fuss.
Leading the charge is Latin American Alejandro Santoni, in a completely unusual non-stereotypical part: Goofy Photojournalist. Germaphobe Nomad. Free Spirit, who has to call his mom every day.
QUESTIONING AND REFLECTING
Though in many ways comedic, “Alberto” is ultimately a meditation. It is an ode to restless hearts (especially in a world where commitment is fleeting and things are easily discarded)… and the adventurer in all of us that every now and then feels the urge to belong. It is about what a life of detachment leaves us, and doesn’t leave us.
INSPIRATION
FOR NEW CONTENT
Though COVID-19 has put a damper on things, the Alberto Presents brand will start up again soon. The adventurous spirit and observational style that started with this film will continue in “Street Scenes,” in which we record various interactions happening around. This and other observational imagery and video are being placed on an interactive Alberto Map.