Still Orangutans is the feature debut by Spolidoro. The film is an adaptation of six stories from the book by ‘gaucho’ Paulo Scott and is set on a very hot day during one of the warmest summers in Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul. In all, Spolidoro shot six takes of over 80 minutes. For each take, optimal concentration was needed; after all nothing could go wrong. The biggest problem was that each take was filmed in the middle of a crowd of unwitting people. The shooting took place at characteristic locations, such as the market, the streets, the subway… an enormous challenge for the crew, cast and more than a hundred extras. The characters carry the film. They come and go in varied, occasionally very bizarre comic situations: Japanese tourists in the subway, girls who kiss on the bus while they talk about football and father Christmas’ sack, a 40-year-old man and his tattooed girlfriend who are drinking perfume, visitors to an evangelical party while not interested in God, but only in the singing teacher. Just another day in Porto Alegre. The music, that is prominently present, places the film in the 1980s: gaucho rock played by a choice selection of local musicians. (ID)
Film details
Productieland
Brazil
Jaar
2007
Festivaleditie
IFFR 2008
Lengte
81'
Medium/Formaat
35mm
Taal
Portuguese
Première status
International premiere
Director
Gustavo Spolidoro
Producer
Cristiane Oliviera, Fabiano de Souza, Gilson Vargas, Gustavo Spolidoro, Milton Do Prado
Production design
Luiz Roque
Screenplay
Gustavo Spolidoro, Gibran Dipp, based on the novel by Paulo Scott