MexMan

Los Angeles-based artist Germán Alonso is a walking, talking fountain of creativity. Puppetry, animation, drawing, computer graphics and filmmaking are all mediums that Germán has dabbled in, but his goal is the live-action feature film adaptation of his creation MexMan, a comic book-like character that’s been a passion project of his for quite some time.

When an encounter with Hollywood producer Moctesuma Esparza (Selena, Gettysburg) turns a pipe dream into a real possibility, Germán must team up with a crew who don’t necessarily understand or appreciate his erratic creative process. Struggling to keep his vision intact, Germán tries to navigate the wants and needs of his creative partners with varied results.

MexMan is a fascinating documentary as well as a cautionary tale that should be required viewing for anyone just finishing film school. Germán’s struggle is instantly relatable and his overactive imagination is endearing. It’s easy to see why those who end up being his antagonists were so enthralled with his project in the first place. Director Josh Polon maintains a careful balance between chronicling the making of the film with a portrait of the artist, whilst also being careful not to demonize those around Germán who are just trying to be the voices of reason. An underdog story through and through, MexMan illustrates how the line separating genius from insanity is razor thin.