Resource disparities can often result in corruption, violence, loss of life, and smuggling. In Pimpinero: Blood and Oil (orginal title: Pimpinero: Sangre y Gasolina), the latest film from co-writer and director Andrés Baiz (The Hidden Face, Roa), that resource is gasoline. Alongside the Colombia-Venezuela border, gasoline prices are drastically different, with fuel costing up to fifty times more on one side than the other, creating a compelling incentive for smuggling. Known as ‘pimpineros’, gasoline smugglers navigate the treacherous terrain while evading corrupt authorities. However, when three smugglers find themselves entangled in dangerous debts with an oil and human trafficker, their already risky operations take an even more perilous turn.
One of those smugglers, Juan, is being portrayed by Alejandro Speitzer (Dark Desire, Straight), and Geek Vibes Nation had a chat with him about this Spanish action-packed drama, taking on a different accent and what’s like starring alongside Laura Osma.
Geek Vibes Nation (Liselotte Vanophem): Hi Alejandro, first of all, congratulations on the film. What was it about the script that made you want to do this?
Alejandro Speitzer (Juan in Pimpinero: Blood And Oil): Alberto Guerra [The Lord of Skies, Ingobernable], who is my brother in the movie, was the one who recommended me. He talked with Andrés about me. I received just my scenes for the audition and I don’t know how to explain it, but as an actor, sometimes you feel the part is yours. I don’t know why, but you can feel that. And I felt it. I felt it since the first time that I’ve read the scenes. Then I’ve read the script. This is a powerful story. And I knew about Andrés’ work. Of course, I wanted to work with him. This is a dream come true.
GVN: How did you prepare for this role, especially because you’re portraying a character who has a different accent to yours?
AS: I’m from Mexico and the character is from Colombia. I had to work a lot on my accent—a lot. It’s so different. And first, I had to read a lot, trying to understand what was going on between Colombia and Venezuela. I’ve read a lot to try to understand their culture. And then, the accent came in. I worked a lot with my dialect coach before the shoot. It was hard. Working with an accent takes a lot of work. Since the first day on set, I also tried to speak as a Colombian. The crew, who were from Colombia, helped me greatly in doing that.
GVN: The movie opens with a car chase and a massive explosion on the bridge. Can you tell us a bit more about how those scenes were shot?
AS: Those scenes are so complex. You know? Because we were going so fast. In the sand, that’s dangerous. We were going fast in the middle of the desert. I felt like a kid because I dreamt about movies like this. Movies with a lot of action, drama, etc. and from this quality.
GVN: Most action movies are English or American but this one isn’t. How was it to create an action-packed film that’s in Spanish instead?
AS: We are opening doors. For me, this movie proves that our industry is growing a lot.
GVN: How was it to have Laura [Osma; El Chapo, This Time Tomorrow) by your side as Diana? You form a fantastic on-screen couple.
AS: It was perfect. She’s the female power. And I remember when I heard that she was going to be my girlfriend in the film, I asked for her phone number. I called her. Because she’s Colombian, I asked her if she wanted to come to Mexico. And she said yes. Since that moment, I knew that she was going to be a really good partner.
GVN: Thank you so much for this interview. Good luck with the release of the film.
AS: Thank you. Bye.
Pimpinero: Blood and Oil is out on Prime Video from the 22nd of November.
Subtitle translator by day. Film journalist by night.
