Circuit

Colour, 35 mm
Spain, 2009, 94 min
EP – European premiere
Section: Forum of Independents

Synopsis

Mía is applying for a job as a photographer in Vic’s studio. But she manages to choose a time when the hip and famous pro is having a really bad day: he’s just been dumped by his girlfriend Ana, a model. Vic decides to leave Barcelona for a thousand days and he suggests that Mía take his place.... This 1,000-day stint sets in motion all kinds of mini-stories, tales of love and romantic misadventure – creating concentric circles which fleetingly fill Vic’s studio with the colourful characters who turn up for various photo shoots, modelling work and castings. The models let themselves be hauled through an artificially created world, putting work before love, yet also seeking affection in an unreal world.... Circuit soaks up the spirit of Barcelona and draws on its distinction as a major centre of the avant-garde, architecture, photography, painting and art in general. The film constructs a visually polished, modern portrait of the city, incorporating a series of interactive music and dance numbers, fashion shows and 3D animation.

About the director

Xavier Ribera-Perpiñá (Barcelona) studied film direction and production at the London International Film School, and also read law in Barcelona. He made over 100 commercials in Madrid, London, Paris, Milan, and New York (e.g. for Repsol, Adidas, Ford, Coca-Cola) and five 35mm short films. For Catalan television he wrote the screenplay for Desde Mai, starring Javier Bardem, and he directed Tot verí (1996) for TV3. He began his feature film career by directing, writing and producing his avant- garde feature debut A+ (2004), which won the Special Jury Prize at the Malaga festival. He also wrote the screenplay for his second feature film, Circuit.