Mad Bills to Pay or Destiny, dile que no soy malo is set in the Bronx, and its gritty realism makes the viewer at first question whether this is a documentary or a film. Mad Bills to Pay is a raw and honest portrayal of a story in a working class neighbourhood, that could be set in western Sydney, or anywhere in the world where low socio-economic communities live. Debuting their first film at Sundance, director Joel Alfonso Vargas, with producer Paolo Maria Pedullà have produced an unflinching account of the struggles and hopes of the working poor, and how they deal with the hand that is dealt them.
The film follows Rico, a hustler trying to make sense of his messy life. He’s flawed, but good at heart, doing what he can to get by. He balances a mix of legal and illicit dealings and anchors the story. The narrative deftly balances moments of levity with sobering truths about socio- economic prisons. Destiny, played by Destiny Checo, is an absolute standout in her acting debut as Rico’s 16-year-old pregnant girlfriend. Destiny goes from sulky, monosyllabic dialogue to a feisty pregnant teenager, with a strong will about what she wants and expects for her child, and whose ambitions are not limited to raising a family. Her determination to return to school and go to college leaves the audience hopeful and curious- will she? Won’t she? What is Destiny’s destiny?
Rico is surrounded by strong women, including his sassy sister, Sally, played by Nathaly Navarro, in another breakout performance which highlights the skill of casting by Vargas and Pedullà. Yohanna Florentino plays Andrea, Rico and Sallys exhausted, hard-working mother: a woman with an acerbic tongue but also acts of tenderness that give the film a great deal of poignancy.
Premiering at Sundance Film Festival 2025
Won a NEXT Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast at Sundance 2025
Director and Screenwriter Joel Alfonso Vargas
Producer Paolo Maria Pedullà
Executive Producers Christine Vachon, Gabriel Mayers, Julie Waters, Evan Dyal, Robina Riccitiello, Josh Peters, Liam Francis Quigley
Cinematography Rufai Ajala
Production Design Lia Chiarin
Editing Irfan Van Tuijl, Joel Alfonso Vargas
Sound Design and Mix by Alina Ushakova, Omar Gabriel Delnevo
Music Niklas Sandahl
First Assistant Director Mathew Reyes
Production Manager Andrew Grell
Color Grading Emmanuel Benjamin
Starring Juan Collado, Destiny Checo, Yohanna Florentino, Nathaly Navarro
Vargas and Pedullà’s decision to cast in person, rather than through self-tapes, paid off. They searched the streets, found raw talent, and brought them into a cramped Manhattan room to test chemistry. What they found was magic. The actors bring their characters to life in a way that feels natural. You believe them. You feel for them.
Mad Bills to Pay is a raw exploration of family, community, and resilience, with an undercurrent of biting humour. Vargas’ upbringing in a working-class neighbourhood gives the film a vibrant authenticity. What sets this film apart, however, is its ability to breathe life into every character—no matter how minor—and make them feel like someone you’ve met or known them. The barbershop debates, the family arguments—it’s all drawn from life. One scene, a heated argument about vaccines, captures the mix of misinformation and real worry that feels so true to its setting.
The story leaves room for the audience to reflect on many things. When Destiny’s mum takes her back, you don’t see what happens inside the apartment. You’re left to imagine the conversations, the emotions. It’s a smart choice. The filmmakers trust the viewers to fill in the blanks.
Mad Bills to Pay doesn’t tie everything up neatly. It’s about survival, about trying to do better even when the odds are against you. Rico makes mistakes, but you root for him because he’s trying. That’s what makes this film so memorable.
At Sundance, Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo) won A NEXT Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast
The jury citation at the ceremony was, “I’d like to acknowledge a film with characters that really drew me in, who are filled with heart and fire: a hopeless central character who can’t seem to get his shit together, a young teen who embraces an unexpected pregnancy, a sister who can’t deal with her brother’s idiocy, and a mother who fiercely loves her family. These actors brought the reality, comedy, and love of these characters to delightful, vibrant life.”
Naturally, director Joel Alfonso Vargas and producer Paolo Maria Pedullà gave Irresistible Magazine an exclusive interview after the win.
You’ve just premiered at Sundance! Apart, from meeting us, how was your Sundance experience?
Joel Alfonso Vargas: Honestly, other than meeting Irresistible, of course, the premiere was the highlight. Watching the film with 400 people, hearing them laugh and feel it—that was the high point. It made all the work worth it.
What inspired Rico’s story? Was it based on real life?
JAV: Rico is a composite of people I grew up with in the Bronx. It’s a working-class community, full of hustlers trying to make ends meet, both legally and otherwise. His journey reflects the challenges and resilience of so many I’ve known.
Why does Rico’s mom accept Destiny?
JAV: She doesn’t have a choice. Destiny has nowhere to go. It’s a journey for her, learning to support them. It’s messy, but that’s family.
Was the vaccine argument scene always part of the story?
JAV: That was always going to be in the film. It’s something I’ve seen and lived—barbershop debates, family arguments. It’s so real and captures the mix of misinformation and genuine concern in our communities.
How did you approach the casting process?
Paolo Maria Pedullà : We took an unconventional route. Instead of relying on self-tapes, we held in-person auditions and even street-cast. We wanted authenticity, and seeing people in the room allowed us to test chemistry. Joel and I worked closely, and when we found the cast, it felt like magic.
Joel Alfonso Vargas: Most films have casting directors, but we did it ourselves. Years of experience in New York taught me how to find talent in unexpected places—Craigslist, the streets. Paolo’s organisation and input made it even stronger.
Did you change the script after casting the actors?
JAV: Not the plot, but definitely the characters. Destiny, for example, was originally written differently, but the actor brought something unique. It reshaped her role in the best way.
What does the award mean to you?
PMP: It’s incredibly validating. The casting process was so personal and unconventional, and seeing the ensemble’s magic recognised is a dream come true.
Where do Rico and Destiny end up in ten years?
JAV: That’s a great question! I don’t know… There’s hope, but it’s not easy. Rico’s good at heart. I’d like to think he grows and supports his family. It’s open-ended.
PMP: Rico will grow. He has to. It won’t be perfect, but he’ll get there. That’s life.
