Reflective Encounters
“Right off the bat, anime fans will note the direct callbacks to Otomo Katsuhiro’s Akira in the composition of *Nuevo Rico’*s cityscapes. However this connection to the seminal 1988 film runs deeper through its evocation of apocalyptic anxiety, as viewed from the perspective of two outcasts who have a sibling-like relationship with each other. Moreover, Nuevo Rico blends its near-future dystopia setting with mythological narrative elements, giving it a spiritual undertone that’s similar to the Shinto influences in Akira and Oshii Mamoru’s Ghost in the Shell (1995).
A collage of stylistic influences are feverishly mixed in Nuevo Rico, making it feel familiar yet paradoxically fresh in the specificities of its combination. There’s a touch of retro-infused vaporwave in the opening scenes, with digital animation overlaid with a film grain effect. Nuevo Rico never stays in any one style for too long, but maintains a consistently energetic visual language throughout its breezy pace. These formal qualities could easily be paired with a triumphalist tone in the story, but in the end Nuevo Rico takes a turn that is both unexpected and emotionally resonant.”
— Cathy Brennan
Filmmaker Bio
Kristian Mercado Figueroa is a Puerto Rican filmmaker living in Spanish Harlem. His directing work includes NUEVO RICO (Best Animated Short SXSW’21 & LALIFF ’21), PA’LANTE (SXSW Jury Award ’19), MARIPOSA & BLACK PUMAS (SXSW ’20). Mercado has directed for Billie Eilish, Awkwafina, Eric Andre, Planned Parenthood, & Bad Bunny. He is currently in development to direct multiple feature films, including the feature version of NUEVO RICO with Modern Magic. Mercado’s distinct voice addresses issues of identity, family, & systemic oppression.
Director’s Statement
Speculative fiction has a long history of telling stories about the future yet firmly rooted in the problems facing the present. This animated psychedelic journey explores Puerto Rican identity in a radical new way that tackles the multifaceted status and nature of Puerto Ricans living today.
Using boundary pushing visuals and a narrative that examines how systemic capitalism devours all bonds, including familial ones.