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2024

Balomania

Discover the vibrant, secretive ‘balloon world’ of Brazil in Sissel Morell Dargis's captivating documentary. Follow passionate ‘baloeiros’ as they release breathtaking balloons adorned with iconic figures like Pavarotti and Jesus, in the face of police hostility. This thrilling film offers an intimate look at a unique and creative subculture.

Director

Sissel Morell Dargis

Runtime

93 Minutes

Country

Denmark, Spain

Classification

Unclassified 15+

Explore Brazil’s secretive ‘balloon world’ in Sissel Morell Dargis’s captivating documentary.

What do Pavarotti, Jesus, and Rocky have in common? They all grace the vibrant balloons released in Brazil’s captivating yet little-known ‘balloon world’. This subculture, filled with passion and artistry, comes to life in filmmaker Sissel Morell Dargis's mesmerising documentary.

Danish filmmaker Dargis was eager to immerse herself in a unique aspect of Brazilian culture. Upon hearing about this elusive community, she navigated the challenges of gaining their trust, especially as a woman. Her persistence paid off, and soon, key figures like Jaba, Zulu, Sergio, and Playboy opened up to her, revealing their lives and passions.

Despite hostility from the police, these dedicated ‘baloeiros’ are unwavering in their mission to release their breathtaking art into the skies. Dargis’s film captures this tension, blending the excitement of a thriller with deeply personal stories. This celebratory film showcases the awe-inspiring moments when balloons are released.

“[A] thrilling account of the ultimate in high-stakes outsider art.”

Screen International

“Years of camaraderie, gaining trust and filming have gone into making this gem of a film, and it all pays off: Balomania is both thrilling — with car chases and clandestine meetings — and incredibly tender in conveying the men’s affection for a grand hobby which only costs them money and brings them none.”

Cineuropa

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Sydney, CPH:DOX
Trailer

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Film Credits

Director

Sissel Morell Dargis

Year

2024

Country

Denmark & Spain

Language

Portuguese

Subtitles

English

Type

Documentary & Feature

Program Strand

World Documentary

Producer

Jesper JackMarie Schmidt Olesen & Sissel Morell Dargis

Cinematographer

Sissel Morell Dargis

Editor

Biel AndrésRikke Selin ALSIsabela Monteiro de CastroSteen Johannessen & Sissel Morell Dargis

Music

Aquiles Ghirelli & O Novissimo Edgar

Film Source

Cargo Film & Releasing

Genre

ArtCrime & Documentary

Purchase Tickets

Saturday 26 Oct 2024

12:30 pm

Balomania

The Piccadilly:

The Piccadilly: Cinema 2

Thursday 31 Oct 2024

08:30 pm

Balomania

Palace Nova Eastend:

Palace Nova Eastend Cinema 8

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