A Bronx Hustler Prepares to Become a Father in a New Film

This episode of All of It features a heartfelt conversation about the independent film *Mad Bills to Pay*, a coming-of-age story set in the Bronx that follows 19-year-old Rico, a Dominican American teenager, as he grapples with unexpected fatherhood after his 16-year-old girlfriend Destiny becomes pregnant. Written and directed by Bronx native Joel Vargas, the film draws from personal experience, blending semi-improvised storytelling with authentic community detail. Destiny Checo, a first-time actor with no formal training, landed the role after posting TikTok-style self-tapes on Backstage and was drawn to the story because of its emotional resonance with her mother’s journey. The film explores themes of immigrant hustle culture, gender dynamics, and the pressures of machismo within Latino communities, all set against the backdrop of New York City’s affordability crisis. A memorable production hiccup—shooting in an exterminator’s roach-infested apartment—became a story of New York resilience and unexpected generosity. The film, which premiered at Sundance, opens in theaters April 17th and ends on an ambiguous but hopeful note, reflecting the uncertain yet hopeful path of young parenthood. Key takeaways include the power of authentic storytelling rooted in lived experience, the importance of collaborative filmmaking with non-professional actors, the resilience of immigrant communities in New York, and the transformative potential of art to reflect real struggles. The episode also highlights how personal growth—both for the characters and the actors—can emerge from vulnerability and faith, as Destiny now seeks to align her acting aspirations with her spiritual journey.