CIFF23 Podtalk: Director Olmo Schnabel’s Debut ‘Pet Shop Days’

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CHICAGO – The director debut is the flourishing element of any film festival, and the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) has always been a nurturing place for the latest cinema talent. “Pet Shop Days” is the debut of director and co-writer Olmo Schnabel, and screened at the 59th CIFF. The film continues on the fest circuit, as its currently at the Montclair (New Jersey) Film Festival.

When Alejandro (Dario Yazbek Bernal) flees Mexico after an impulsive act of violence, he lands in New York City on a mission to live life on his own terms. After befriending Jack (Jack Irv), who spends his days and nights getting high and sleeping with whomever he wants, the pair embark down a rabbit hole of vice, coming together and breaking apart … with a magnetic and obsessive attraction that will change their lives forever. Like an impulsive Butch and Sundance, the journey of the duo leads to an inevitable destination.

’Pet Shop Days,’ Directed by Olmo Schnabel (inset)
Photo credit: Montclair Film Festival

“Pet Shop Days” … co-written by Olmo Schnabel, Galen Core and Jack Irv … builds a white hot connection between the underbelly of contemporary New York City and its cinematic predecessors. Schnabel makes his directorial debut after an early career as a producer and production assistant. He is the son of Julian Schnabel (“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”).

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com from the 59th CIFF, Olmo Schabel reflects on the film’s origins, Willem Dafoe and did he keep the first take? …

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor and Film Critic/Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com