Afternoons of Solitude

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Afternoons of Solitude is a unique and brutal documentary that delves into a bullfighter’s battles with himself and the bull in the ring. This understated and shocking work spotlights the artistic and savage aspects of bullfighting.

Afternoons of Solitude follows the young Peruvian bullfighter Andrés Roca Rey. We witness him before, during, and after his battles in the ring, observing meticulous preparations, nerve-wracking duels, and the mix of relief and fear following countless unpredictable encounters with the bull in the arena.

Roca Rey is a fascinating figure, and his reserved demeanor and intense gaze contribute to an intimate yet mythical feel. The film masterfully conveys the razor-thin margins between life and death for Roca Rey and the bull. The way he lures, seduces, frightens, and captivates his audience with increasingly risky maneuvers in his dance with the bull—before abandoning artistry for brutality—feels unique.

The film’s visual style is observational, focusing primarily on what unfolds in the arena. The bullfighting scenes are brutal and not for everyone. However, for those seeking a deeper understanding and further reflection on this strange and violent tradition, Afternoons of Solitude offers an unparalleled portrayal of the intersection between savagery and art.

Director

The Catalan filmmaker Albert Serra (b. 1975) graduated from the University of Barcelona. His works often draw inspiration from European myths, art, and literature. Serra has received numerous accolades, including the top prize at the Locarno Film Festival and the Special Jury Prize in Cannes's Un Certain Regard section. He also won the Critics' Award for Pacifiction at TIFF in 2023.

Filmography

2022 Pacifiction
2019 Liberté
2018 Roi Soleil
2016 The Death of Louis XIV
2013 Story of My Death
2006 Honour of the Knights

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Wednesday 15. january

Kl 18:45
Verdensteatret

Friday 17. january

Kl 08:45
Fokus 2 (Bonordsalen)

Saturday 18. january

Kl 19:45
Alfheim

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