THE OLD MAN AND THE PARROT Explores Living, Laughing and Letting Go at SLAMDANCE
Grief, Survival, & the Latin American Immigrant Experience Swirl in the Absurdist Comedy
Director/co-writer Gabriel de Varona and producer/co-writer Kevin Ondarza are excited to announce that Slamdance will host the World Premiere of The Old Man and the Parrot, a darkly comedic tale of love, taxidermy and the afterlife. The Old Man and the Parrot will screen to its very first audiences on February 20, 2026 as part of Slamdance, with an encore on February 22 at Landmark Sunset.
Veteran character actor Ruben Rabasa, well known for his collaborations with Andy Garcia, steps into the lead role for the first time in his career. Rabasa’s appearances span over four decades, from Police Academy 5 to I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson to Thelma to Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The cast also includes Serafin Falcon, Rene Lavan, Isabella Bobadilla and Mia Rose Chamaro.
The Old Man and the Parrot weaves a surreal yet deeply human story of grief, redemption, and the absurdity of life itself. With a climax that forces Praxi to choose between clinging to the past and embracing an uncertain future, the film is a heartfelt exploration of what it truly means to let go.
Praxi bursts into the home of spiritual guru, Radel, armed with a pistol and a taxidermied parrot. His demand? “Free Yoelvis’ soul from this bird!” But Radel, who is recovering from a stroke, can’t help him. His estranged daughter, Ana, is forced to confront Praxi and unravel the bizarre claim. As Praxi recounts his romance with Yoelvis, we flash back to their attempt to open a vegan Cuban restaurant and their fateful encounter with Radel. There, the truth behind the curse emerges; revealing Radel’s motivations, Yoelvis’ secrets, and why Ana may be the only one capable of undoing the spell.
The Old Man and the Parrot will screen at Slamdance on February 20, 2026, 6:30pm at Landmark Theater 5 located at 8000 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046 and February 22, 2026, 9:15pm Landmark Theater 4 at 8000 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046 Festival & Screening Details HERE
*Information and images used courtesy Justin Cook PR.
