José Mota presents directorial debut Arriba Tutto on El Hormiguero ahead of October cinema release

Directorial debut and plot details

Spanish comedian José Mota presented his directorial feature debut, Arriba Tutto, during an appearance on the television talk show El Hormiguero following a premiere screening at Cines Callao in Madrid on 6 October 2026. The comedy film, scheduled for theatrical release across Spain on 23 October (with one report listing 16 October), stars Mota alongside Karra Elejalde, Olivia Molina, Diego Anido, and child actor Pablo Cabello. The narrative opens in 1905, following a traveling comedian who teaches his young son Michi to find humor in daily life. Years later, during wartime, an adult Michi becomes bitter until an unexpected event and a reunion with his childhood love Conchita restore his perspective. Mota described the protagonist as a performer with the soul of Don Quixote who believes humor can change the world.

On-set collaboration and casting

During the television broadcast, Mota appeared alongside nine-year-old Pablo Cabello, who played the younger Michi when he was seven years old. Mota explained that he asked casting director Natalia Rodríguez specifically for an actor aged seven or younger to convey innocence to the audience. Cabello frequently offered directorial advice on set, telling Mota after takes that a single successful shot made additional takes unnecessary. The production also featured a running routine where co-star Karra Elejalde gave Cabello one euro for every day of filming. Mota noted the logistical challenge of both directing and acting in the project, remarking that separating the two roles kept him from arguing with himself during filming.

Defense of comedy and television career

Mota used the promotional appearance to argue for the social role of comedy in reducing polarization and interpersonal hostility. Citing comedian Luis Piedrahita, Mota described humor as an instrument that brings people together across social divisions.

Comedy is a weapon of mass construction. It is the solution to many things. Comedy unites people, it is the shortest path between two people. We do not use it, and comedy has a lot to say in the face of tension, hatred, intolerance, and the uncomfortable background noise that exists.

Beyond the film, Mota discussed his 25-year tenure hosting New Year's Eve television specials in Spain, addressing how audiences actually consume the broadcasts. He stated that viewers treat the 31 December program primarily as dinner background rather than focused family viewing, often watching the full show the following day. Mota previously spent 20 years in the comedy duo Cruz y Raya alongside Juan Antonio Muñoz before launching his solo television career in 2007.

Madrid premiere and personal milestones

The earlier premiere event at Cines Callao gathered figures from Spanish cinema and television, including Santiago Segura, Paz Padilla, and Goyo Jiménez. Mota walked the red carpet accompanied by his 19-year-old daughter Daniela, whose mother is Patricia Rivas. Mota explained that the motivation to direct came from listening to his own childhood ambitions.

This movie was possible because of the insistence of a child who repeatedly told me: 'Do it, do it, do not be afraid, bring out what you have inside.' That child was the child I once was, and he pushed me to make this story.

The production enters Spanish cinemas as Mota tests his commercial reach in feature filmmaking after decades on Spanish television.