Balomania

One day, Sissel Morrell Dargis, a Danish street artist emigrated to Brazil, discovers a community of men working clandestinely. They are not involved in arms or drugs trafficking, but in manufacturing hot-air balloons, handcrafted in the greatest secrecy by organised gangs. Every day, teams of ‘baloeiros’ glue together thousands of multicoloured papers bearing the image of their heroes: Karate Kid, Rocky Balboa or Pavarotti. After months, even years, of painstaking work, the balloon is released into the air. The filmmaker, who managed to gain their trust, follows the teams during this dangerous venture, where any misstep can lead to 8 years in prison. Despite the risk, the game remains popular, this 300-year-old activity handed down from generation to generation acts a bit like a drug: once you've had a taste of it, it's impossible to resist the pleasure of watching these vessels full of colours and fireworks take to the skies. Most baloeiros have left their wives, children and savings behind for this fleeting pleasure. Jaba has paid the price, but he is sure to launch the most extraordinary balloon the Brazilian sky has ever borne.