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Few movies can weave together perfectly like history, culture and humanity Los FrikisThis story illuminates the punk subculture of Cuba in the 1990s and the radical sacrifice of a group of people who inject themselves into HIV as a means of restoring autonomy in a society that attempts to curb their identity. Directed by Mike and Tyler Green Los Frikis It is a touching film that captures the original spirit of rebellion, brotherhood and survival.
In this exclusive interview, I had the honor of talking to the talented prospects of the film, Hector Medina ((viva,,,,, Sergio & Sergei) and newcomers Eros de la PuenteHis portrayal of the two brothers was widely praised. Medina brings a wealth of experience and intensity to his role, reflecting how Cuban punk’s music, costumes and provocative spirit shape his character and informs his performance. Meanwhile, de la Puente, in his feature film debut, introduces the challenges and triumphs of gradually playing, an emotional man who is deeply rooted in the historical context.
From their connection to the subject to the magic behind the scenes that brings critical moments to life, Hector and the God of Love provide you with a fascinating glimpse Los Frikis. This is an interview that delves into their creative journey, the power of punk, and the profound emotional moments that define this extraordinary film.
Still life from “Los Frikis” (Photo source: Lord Miller)
Aayush Sharma: Congratulations to the team’s success of “Los Frikis”, a beautiful and heart-wrenching story. My first question is about your character, whose character makes his brother Paco adored, but goes through a complicated emotional journey throughout the film. As the first-time actor of a first-time debut film, how did you deal with the character’s growing perception of his brother throughout the story?
Eros de la Puente: I think what got me ready was very live. Like, even if I didn’t take action at that moment, even if I didn’t have that scene, I was there to watch my brother’s scene, or, you know, you know what he was doing I would be as easy as his brother because I I am serving this guy and I am following this guy. So I would say it was a big step forward, not just a character like Gustavo and Paco, but I think everything was beautifully planned because then he Just like my older actor brother. He has more experience than I do, and he is the one who guides me throughout the journey. So we kind of went–like, we did the same thing that happened outside the movie, you know. I think, like the process of trying to be Paco in a weird way, or trying to discover myself through Paco. It just happened as a byproduct of our amazing relationship. We are like the other two.
Aayush Sharma: Hector, punk subculture plays an important role in shaping character identities. How did punk’s music, costumes and cultural elements influence your portrayal of him?
Hector Medina: Well, the rock spirit has helped me a lot. I mean, always looking for freedom. There is also Cuban tropical punk in Cuba, with a special band. I mean, it was really hard to be punk in Cuba in that era. Those people are so brave. Brave. At that moment, in Cuba, listening to American music was banned. Long hair is a forbidden. Thinking in a different way is a ban. So the spirit from Cuban tropical punk inspired me. Just let me be. For a moment, angry, hungry and wild. These are two things that have helped me a lot.

Hector Medina
Aayush Sharma: Hector, you were born in the late 1980s, and this story is set in the 1990s, which means you grew up in real life during the period when these events unfolded in Cuba. Growing up, have you heard stories about lost freaks and people who are injecting HIV? Also, did your opinion of these people change when shooting this movie?
Hector Medina: Yes, yes. Me, I was born in 1989. I remember when I saw the first freak, I was five and six years old, and my aunt told me, “Don’t look at him. Don’t look at him.” Yes, DD, people and crazy people. But I am very interested in this, these people are different in communist countries, meaning in a communist country. Imagine it. That looks so different – the hair, the clothes they wear. The first time I saw an electric guitar sound was so different. Then in 13 years, I met Helson who is still alive. I think he was the last weird person, the last, the only person alive, and the only person who injected HIV into Vlicey. I met him at the time and he was so kind, so kind, always protecting the work, young people, because I’ve been to this place and they only play rock music, and that’s like paradise in the middle of my town. It’s a different culture, a different person. I mean, I fell in love with those people and interacted with this story.
Aayush Sharma: Eros, this is your first movie as an actor, and before that, you were making a short film. Now you are in this incredible movie, and if people don’t know, nominated for 6 awards in the Latin American Entertainment Film Awards, that’s unanimous! How was your experience as the actor who made your first feature film?
Eros de la Puente: It was very difficult at first because I was used to all these new things and I had to be prepared when I knew my role. Before that, I had worked in the theater and everything would be organized, but with the movies, it was filmed inappropriate. So I have to know exactly where the character for each point in the movie is. That was definitely a challenge. But once I have all this knowledge and am fully prepared, it feels like the best thing ever. My knowledge and research fits Hector’s research and everyone else’s research, and it all blends together. We created this magic that makes me feel like the most comfortable person in the world. All the fear disappeared. I didn’t even think about it anymore – I was just on the scene, reacting to Hector, reacting to Adria, and responding to everything on the scene. Eventually it became easier.

Eros de la Puente and Adria Arjona in a still life of “Los Frikis” (Photo source: Lord Miller)
Aayush Sharma: The last scene where your character tells your brother he doesn’t have AIDS is very powerful. At that moment, the friendship and deep bond we saw between the two of you really moved. Can you show us that scene? How did you handle it, and how would you feel when you provide these conversations and shoot that scene?
Hector Medina: Oh, I like that scene Los Frikis. Also, that scene is my actor. Oh, when I was doing that scene, the next day, director Mike and Taylor called me and said, “You got the job.” From day one of the movie, I just kept holding all the emotions on that day. It was an amazing experience to do this scene with Mike and Tyler because we built the characters together. They wanted to get to the point where I could cry and laugh at the same time. We have to do a stunning last scene because it’s the last scene and we have to make sure it works or the movie won’t be able to. It was a great day because we did a great job.
Eros de la Puente: I think we did a great job. I only remember that day – it was a stressful but also a wonderful day because we had beautiful moments before the scene. We were together, chatting-no, not really talking, I would correct myself-just sit next to each other silently. Why am I just there? You know, we just sat silently next to each other without talking. Then we continued and we did the scene. We just feel this weird invisible thread that connects us. It’s beautiful.
“Los Fricks” coming soon.