Go Back to School With Spanish Comedy ‘No Manches Frida’

Amanda Nolan

This Labor Day weekend, movie audiences can get into the school spirit with “No Manches Frida.” The Spanish-language comedy follows a bank robber who poses as a teacher played by Omar Chaparro, a well-known Mexican comedian and host who made his English movie debut a few months ago in “Compadres.”

Chaparro plays Zequi, who has just been released from jail. While locked up, his accomplice hid the stolen money in the schoolyard of Frida Kahlo High School. Now out, Zequi is ready to collect, but there is just one little problem: the school has built a new gymnasium – right on top of the hiding spot.

Now Zequi has to find a way to infiltrate the school without causing too much suspicion. Luckily, there is an opening for a janitorial job. Somehow there is a mix-up in the application process and instead he lands a gig as a substitute teacher. While it is not his first choice, Zequi knows it will get him closer to the loot, so he accepts.

Zequi soon finds out that the job isn’t as easy as he thought. The kids at Frida Kahlo High are rowdy and rebellious, and not afraid to play pranks on him. Not to mention the zany teaching staff he has to stay one step ahead of so his secret isn’t revealed.

“No Manches Frida” is directed by Nacho G. Velilla (“Perdiendo el Norte”) and produced by Pantelion Films, the Spanish-language branch of Lionsgate Pictures. Part of Pantelion’s mission is to find ways to remake hit films for Hispanic audiences. (“No Manches Frida” is based off of the German comedy, “Fack ju Göhte”). The movie also stars Martha Higareda, Fernanda Castillo, and Adal Ramones.

“No Manches Frida” will have a limited release on Sept. 2.