The Amateur (1999 film)

El Amateur
El Amateur
	DVD Cover
Directed by	Juan Bautista Stagnaro
Written by	Juan Bautista Stagnaro ; Mauricio Dayub
Produced by	Juan Bautista Stagnaro
Starring	Mauricio Dayub ; Vando Villamil
Cinematography	Víctor González
Edited by	Miguel Pérez
Music by	Jaime Roos
Distributed by	Aleph Producciones S.A.
Release date	April 22, 1999;
Country	Argentina
Language	Spanish

The Amateur (Spanish: El Amateur) is an Argentine film directed by Juan Bautista Stagnaro and shot in color. It is based on Stagnaro's own screenplay, which was adapted from the play of the same name by Mauricio Dayub. The film was released on April 22, 1999, and features Mauricio Dayub, Vando Villamil, Juan Verdaguer, and Cacho Espíndola in starring roles. Some of the scenes were filmed in the city of Chascomús, Buenos Aires Province. The picture was nominated for five Silver Condor Awards. It is Juan Verdaguer's final film.

Synopsis

The film tells the tale of Pájaro, an unemployed man, and Lopecito, a factory worker, as they embark on an extraordinary mission to shatter the record for the longest duration spent cycling. Set on the fringes of a provincial town, Pájaro becomes resolute in his quest to secure a coveted spot in the esteemed Guinness Book of Records, pushing the limits of endurance atop his trusty bicycle. Assisted by his loyal companion, Lopecito, Pájaro tirelessly pedals around the fountain in the town square, bravely confronting numerous obstacles that stand in his way. Through this audacious endeavor, will áajaro find not only triumph in breaking a world record but also the unexpected blossoming of love and personal redemption?

Cast

Mauricio Dayub as Alfonso "Pájaro" Romero
Pedro Heredia as Ramón
Vando Villamil as Lopecito
Arturo Goetz as Concejal
Cacho Espíndola as Intendente
Alejandra Puy as La Mora
Darío Grandinetti as Funcionario municipal

Exhibition

The film premiered on April 22, 1999 and was released in Canada at the Montreal World Film Festival and in America in Miami at the Hispanic Film Festival.

The film was produced by Aleph Producciones S.A. and distributed by Transeuropa Video Entertainment on VHS.