Cesante (lit. 'Unemployed'; also known as Cesante: Cada día somos más, lit. 'Unemployed: Every day we are more') is a 2003 Chilean adult animated comedy film directed by Ricardo Amunátegui and written by Marco Antonio de la Parra, Nicolás López, and Esteban Schneider. The voice of the protagonist was performed by Chilean comedian Coco Legrand. The film was considered to represent Chile in the Best Foreign Film category at the 76th Academy Awards, but it was not ultimately selected.
Production details
The film was produced by Emu Films, Sobras Producciones, and ADN Digital. It was edited by Fernando Valenzuela, with music by Luis Bigorra and Joao Beltrán. The film has a running time of 72 minutes and was released in Chile on June 5, 2003. The language of the film is Spanish.
Synopsis
The film follows Carlos Meléndez, a man who has experienced misfortune in his life. He has broken up with his girlfriend and, despite having run out of gas, water, and electricity, he must go out to look for work. Over the course of 12 hours, he must contend with insufferable secretaries, punk thieves, the police force, a topless café, rotten hot-dogs, and a religious fanatic—all in an effort to finally earn respect.
Cast
The principal voice cast includes:
- Coco Legrand as Carlos Meléndez
- Yasmín Valdés as Leslie / Girl in Café
- Gonzalo Robles as Gallo Claudio
- Cristián García-Huidobro as Skinny police officer
- Christián Mejía as Fat police officer / Gangster
- Fredy Guerrero as Drunk
- Claudio Reyes as Seller / Bank Manager
- Katyna Huberman as Wendy
- Natalia Cuevas as Gypsy / Fat old woman
- Vanessa Miller as Punk girl
- Fernando Larraín as Boy Scout / Mobster
- Liliana Ross as Old cuica
- Luis Dubó as Evangelical preacher
- Patricia Irribarra as Old fat woman
- Juan Andrés Salfate as Voice-over
Release
Cesante was originally scheduled for release on May 29, 2003, but its premiere was delayed by one week due to an appeal before the Cinematographic Qualification Council, which initially authorized exhibition only for viewers over 18 years of age. The censorship rating was later lowered to 14 years.
Reception
Box office
The film remained on the theatrical billboard for three weeks and drew only 8,643 attendees, making it a box-office failure.
Accolades
- 2003 – Valdivia International Film Festival: Best Chilean Film (won)
- 2005 – Cuenca International Film Festival: Audience Award (won)
