La sangre es blanca

Is it possible to film the act of bullfighting, the corrida, without buying into the entire mythology of this age-old, barbarous spectacle? Óscar Vincentelli has found a way: by using thermal photography. All space is swallowed by darkness except for the spectral figures of man and animal illuminated weirdly from within. The camera remains static and at a distance. The soundtrack recreates only essential footsteps and breaths; the roaring crowd and all other natural sounds have disappeared. The effect is scientific, dispassionate, and quietly comical: never has this blood sport seemed so absurd. (Adrian Martin)

In the presence of Óscar Vincentelli.

This film will be shown as part of the screening SHORT FILM PROGRAMME 3: HUMAN MATERIALS.