HBO has acquired the broadcast rights to the captivating short film, “Chico Virtual,” featuring the talented Jaden Michael, known for his roles in “Colin in Black & White” and “Harlan Coben’s Shelter.” This thought-provoking short film, written and directed by first-time filmmaker Olivia De Camps, is set to premiere on HBO and stream on HBO Max starting September 18th.
“Chico Virtual” centers around the story of Javier, portrayed by Jaden Michael, a young Dominican American boy with aspirations of becoming a viral sensation. However, he keeps this dream hidden from his immigrant parents, played by Maite Bonilla and Fidel Vicioso. The film delves into Javier’s world when his older brother arrives late to Javier’s graduation night due to a job interview, sparking fears within the family. This situation leads to a profound confrontation between Javier’s online persona and his real-life struggles as an undocumented immigrant in America.
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The film, produced by Tom Sidi and Ori Chevio, earned recognition as a winner in the 2022 HBO Max Latino Short Film Competition. It also clinched the Best Drama and Audience Award prizes at the CineYouth program of the Chicago International Film Festival.
Olivia De Camps, the film’s writer and director, expressed her deep honor at having “Chico Virtual” included in HBO’s prestigious film collection. She shared her excitement about reaching a broader and unexpected audience through HBO, emphasizing that the film began as a labor of love with a passionate team of young independent filmmakers. De Camps expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to share their story with viewers worldwide.
Producers Ori Chevio and Tom Sidi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing HBO’s commitment to embracing diverse and timely narratives told by emerging young filmmakers. They expressed their enthusiasm for partnering with Warner Bros. Discovery to bring this important and thought-provoking film to audiences.
“Chico Virtual” promises to be a compelling exploration of identity, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience, featuring a talented cast and a fresh perspective from a promising new filmmaker. Viewers can look forward to a thought-provoking and impactful cinematic experience when the film premieres on HBO and HBO Max on September 18th.