New York-based doc specialist Cargo Film & Releasing has acquired “Balomania,” a captivating Danish documentary that will have its world premiere in the main competition at leading European doc fest CPH:DOX on March 15. The film, directed by Sissel Morell Dargis, tells the mesmerizing story of a secret society of giant hot air balloon makers and chasers in Brazil’s favelas, known as the “baloeiros.” These brave individuals risk everything to create, fly, and hunt their illegal masterpieces, some of which stand over 70 meters high and require more than 100 men to launch into the air.
A Fascinating Underground Art Form
Dargis, who moved to Brazil at the age of 19, gained access to the balloon gangs through friends in the graffiti community. She discovered a brotherhood deeply connected to balloon art, considering it their cultural heritage. The authorities have banned balloon activities due to safety and environmental concerns, but Dargis believes there’s more to it. She questions why the authorities treat the baloeiros with such force and aggression, comparing it to drug trafficking. According to her, it’s easier to target a voiceless community as a common enemy rather than address the real issues of gang warfare and corruption.
Documenting and Changing Perceptions
By gradually earning the trust of the baloeiros, Dargis became their beacon of hope to document their culture and change people’s perception of them. Her dream was to create a film that would garner international recognition and challenge the way people see the baloeiros. To achieve this, she attended film school in Cuba and Copenhagen, where she even learned how to make video games. Dargis’ game, “Cai Cai Balão,” set in the real-world balloon-making universe, was nominated for Best Student Game at the 2022 Independent Games Festival Awards in San Francisco. She believes that both documentaries and games have the power to inspire and inform, making them effective tools to educate and entertain people about different cultures.
Courtesy of Sissel Dargis Morell
Reaching Different Audiences
Dargis envisions a future where documentaries and games can coexist and cater to different audiences. She believes that weaving an ethical narrative into an exciting game can have a profound impact on young people. For example, playing a game that simulates the experience of crossing the Mexican border or being a refugee could be as thrilling as popular games like “GTA” or “Counter-Strike.” By intertwining documentaries and games, Dargis hopes to reach a wider audience and bring attention to important issues.
“Balomania” is produced by House of Real in co-production with Spanish Polar Star Films. The film will be showcased at CPH:DOX, which runs in and around Copenhagen from March 13 through 24.
For more information, visit F5mag.com.