The Pickup Artist is playing as a part of the Golden State Film Festival. That Hashtag Show  Was on the red carpet where we had a chance to talk to creator Alvaro Orlando and some of the cast. During our conversations, the star and everyone else seemed to have some ideas about modern relationships. Orlando, in particular, thinks that The Pickup Artist is coming at the perfect time as we navigate masculinity in 2026.

As we began talking, he pointed out, “The status of suicide for men are very alarming right now. Especially because we’re taught as men that we can’t cry, we can’t talk about our feelings. One of my friends that’s attending this event, his best friend just killed himself. Why? Because of a breakup.”

“ That’s part of why I wanted to make this movie. Because first of all, man, it’s OK to cry. It’s OK to call your other guy friend and say, ‘Hey bro, I’m feeling really bad right now, bro. I’m going through this breakup.’ It’s okay. We don’t always have to be that alpha. ‘I’m a man. I can’t express myself.’ That’s why more than anything why I wanted to make this film.”

Alexis Knapp talks relationships and self-worth

Also on  the red carpet, Alexis Knapp stopped by to talk about the movie. As we’ve already shared, The Pickup Artist is really a movie about masculinity and relationships at its core. For the actress, she sees a lot of people from all walks of life looking for Purpose through their significant other. In her eyes do you have to have yourself squared away before you can start worrying about all of that. 

Knapp told us, “I hope they’re able to See the deeper through line of these stories with those small subtle changes that happen within a psyche that make you make different choices. Also, not to rush… Take your time, don’t rush into stuff with people and get to know yourself.”

“Be alone With yourself, deeply investigate yourself… That is not the way to operate in life, In a sustainable way toward furthering your evolution,” she added. “If you’re looking for someone to fill that void, that void is never going to get filled.” 

What is The Pickup Artist about?

“After a devastating breakup, a hopeless romantic signs up for a pick-up artist bootcamp. Only to realize the dating advice meant to “fix” him may be the very thing keeping him from real love. The film is fast, funny, and emotionally honest. The Pickup Artist skewers modern dating rules while celebrating vulnerability, growth, and the courage to show up authentically.”

The Pickup Artist is Playing at Golden State Film Festival (Feb 26–Mar 6, 2026, TCL Chinese Theatres 6). Also at Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival (Mar 4–14, 2026, L.A. Live Regal Cinemas).

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