Aristotle and Dante Movie

“Someday, I'm going to discover all the secrets of the universe."

Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Behind the Scenes

Check out the movie soundtrack on Spotify

'Aristotle and Dante' Cast and Director Discuss Making the TIFF Coming-of-Age Darling

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Written & Directed by Aitch Alberto
Produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Interview with Aitch Alberto on The Queer Review

When did you first encounter Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s novel and what impact did it have on you?

“It was back in 2014 and I read it in one sitting. It unlocked something in me that I can’t ever put into words. It set me on a journey that has quite literally changed my life, not only creatively but personally too. I went through my transition while trying to make this film. It was an important piece of art that accompanied me on my journey to my authenticity, which is such a reflection of what the story is. When I started the process of making the film I was delusional, telling myself that I was already being authentic, but in reality I was always an Ari until I landed on my true self and who I really am. Finally owning my authenticity is what made me capable of directing this film.” (read the full interview)

Interview with Aitch Alberto and Lin-Manuel Miranda on Variety

Lin, what spoke to you about the material and Aitch’s vision?

Miranda: It’s a really special book, and I came to narrate the audiobook, but you need to know that I don’t narrate a lot of audiobooks. I think I’ve done two that were not books I wrote. The folks at the audiobook company thought of me, and they were like, “We think you’ll like this book.” Just like Aitch, I devoured it in one sitting and was like, “I really wish this book was around when I was a kid.” Aitch reached out to me on Twitter back when I was extremely online and said “I’m working on this movie.” I just thought, “Yeah, that should be a movie.”

Alberto: That was in 2018. It was New Year’s Day. I’ll never forget it. I was driving back from Santa Barbara, and we sent Lin the script the traditional route. And I was like, “I want to take matters into my own hands.” That’s when I tweeted at him, and he replied 20 minutes later. Then three months later, he was in L.A. and agreeing to be a part of the movie. It was a dream come true. And I mean that in a real way, not in a Hollywood way. (read the full interview)