17th BIFFes 2026
Jan 29th - 06th Feb 2026
"Woman: Shared Sensibilities, A Collective Voice for Equality"
DE TAL PALO
N/A
De Tal Palo follows Don Manuel, a retired grandfather whose quiet life is upended when he gains legal custody of his nine-year-old granddaughter, Irene, after her mother is violently assaulted by her husband. Thrown into an unexpected role, Manuel struggles to adapt, yet gradually forms a tender and resilient bond with Irene. As they learn to become a family, he also begins to show the early signs of a troubling health condition, adding urgency and emotional depth to their journey.
Producer(s) or Production Company:
Maricarmen Fullana, Lauri E. Vega
Screenplay:
Iván Dariel Ortiz
Director of Photography:
Jaime Costas
Editor :
Wilfredo Maldonado, Iván Dariel Ortiz
Music :
Jose Ojeda
Iván Dariel Ortiz (b. San Juan, Puerto Rico) studied communications at the University of Sagrado Corazón and trained in cinematography at the Maine Media Workshops (formerly the International Film & Television Workshops). With over 30 years of experience, he began as an editor and camera assistant before directing his feature debut, the Vietnam War drama HÉROES DE OTRA PATRIA (1998), which represented Puerto Rico at the 1999 Academy Awards. His filmography also includes the historical feature EL CIMARRÓN (2007). Recognized by the Lincoln Center Film Society and festivals like Viña del Mar, his latest work is DE TAL PALO.