International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam

Synopsis

Daniel Burmeister is a filmmaker, and filmmaking is not just a profession to him; it is his life. He drives around Argentina in a beat-up old car, going from village to village. In each village, he approaches the local mayor and offers to make a feature film there in about 30 days, in exchange for room and board. He assembles the cast from local villagers; the equipment (a camera and a lamp for shooting at night) is his own. For each film, he adapts one of his five screenplays to suit the location and situation, and ultimately makes his money from ticket sales for screening his movie to the villagers/actors. This documentary follows the tireless and irrepressibly optimistic Burmeister from the moment he arrives in yet another little village. Using all his charm and persuasive powers, he manages to get almost everyone to play a part in his comedy. The camera follows Burmeister everywhere he goes, through all his waking hours, but occasionally takes a step back for gorgeous cinematic shots or to capture the sometimes hilarious goings-on on the set. In voice-over, Burmeister talks about his life and shares his refreshing philosophy in pithy quotes.