Neon Bull

Synopsis

“In some ways, “Neon Bull,” the astonishing second feature by the Brazilian documentarian director Gabriel Mascaro, is a movie about animal smells. An intoxicating reflection on the interconnection of taste, scent, instinct and desire, the film, gorgeously photographed by Diego Garcia (“Cemetery of Splendour” by A. Weersasethakul) immerses you in the intensely pungent world of vaquejada, a rodeo sport popular in northeastern Brazil. Two cowboys on horseback flanking a bull seek to tug it to the ground by the tail. The film’s characters live amid mud and dung, side by side with the animals they love. They also bathe like animals. (…) Throughout the film, the line between human and animal behavior is blurred. (…) Sex is always in the air. But without much fuss, “Neon Bull” exalts carnal passion in beautiful, almost sculptural love scenes filmed from a middle distance.” (Stephen Holden, New York Times). Since its huge success at the Venice Film Festival 2015 “Neon Bull” has be shown and discussed around the world at more than 40 festivals.

Around The World in 14 Films 2016, presented by Hendrik Handloegten