Luisana Lopilato becomes pistPepita the gunman, the new heroine of Lucía Puenzo

Luisana Lopilato has become the central figure in the new film Pepita la pistolera, directed by Lucía Puenzo. The movie, inspired by the true story of Margarita Di Tullio, follows the life of a woman who became a symbol of resistance against exploitation and injustice during Argentina’s turbulent 1980s. Based on real events, the film explores the harsh realities faced by sex workers in Mar del Plata, highlighting their struggles with violence, corruption, and systemic neglect. Lopilato's performance, combined with Puenzo’s direction and the authenticity of the narrative, has been praised as a powerful cinematic achievement. The story centers around Margarita Di Tullio, known in local legend as “Pepita la pistolera.” In 1985, she was confronted by three armed men, Alejandro and Roberto Losada, and Américo Córdoba, who came to her home demanding payment for debts owed to them. In a dramatic turn of events, Margarita retrieved a revolver from under her bed and fired, killing two of the attackers immediately. The third man was later found dead after a struggle. Initially sentenced to a severe prison term, her conviction was later reduced to three years of suspended imprisonment, as the court recognized her actions as self-defense. Born in Mar del Plata, Margarita grew up in a working-class environment shaped by hardship. Her father, Antonio Di Tullio, an Italian immigrant, trained her in boxing and taught her how to handle firearms. As a young woman, she engaged in petty crimes, including robbing couples seeking intimacy in the area known as Loma de Stella Maris. At age 21, she was arrested for armed robbery and sentenced to five years in prison, serving her time in the Dolores jail. By the mid-1980s, she had established herself as a prominent figure in the local nightlife, running the cabaret Neisis Drinks with her partner, Guillermo "El Negro" Schelling. The film dramatizes the events leading up to the infamous 1985 attack, portraying Margarita as a complex character navigating survival through both strength and cunning. She built a clandestine empire to protect herself and other sex workers, often resorting to violence to ensure their safety. This portrayal reflects the broader social context of Mar del Plata during the late 1970s and early 1980s, a period marked by political instability, police brutality, and widespread human rights abuses. In the aftermath of the 1985 incident, Margarita continued to face challenges. During the 1990s, she was wrongly implicated in the murder of José Luis Cabezas, a case that led to her temporary detention and public scrutiny. Despite being cleared of involvement, she remained a controversial figure. She was also linked to the so-called “Loco de la Ruta,” a series of attacks attributed to a supposed serial killer. These accusations were later debunked, revealing them to be fabricated by the Buenos Aires Police Department. Rather than retreating, Margarita emerged as a vocal advocate for justice, fighting for the rights of other sex workers. Her media presence expanded significantly following these events. She appeared on television shows, including Chicharito, where she underwent a lie detector test. Though the results were not disclosed publicly, her participation highlighted her willingness to confront public scrutiny and defend her reputation. Over time, Margarita became a cultural icon, representing resilience in the face of adversity. The film Pepita la pistolera brings this compelling history to the screen, offering audiences a glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of Argentine history. With its blend of historical accuracy and artistic interpretation, the movie aims to honor Margarita’s legacy while shedding light on the systemic issues that shaped her life. As the film prepares for release, it stands as a tribute to a woman who turned personal struggle into a fight for justice.