Sis dies corrents [The Odd-Job Men]

Neus Ballús

Moderator: Àlex Montoya

Winner of five Gaudí Awards and recognised at festivals such as Locarno and Valladolid, Neus Ballús’ film offers a fresh take on social cinema, sidestepping the usual touchstones (the Dardennes, Ken Loach, etc.). Opting for a light, almost comedic tone, the Barcelona filmmaker portrays and defends the working class, following the ups and downs of three plumbers/electricians over the course of a week. She does so with a striking artistic choice: blurring fiction and reality by casting three non-professional actors. In fact, Valero, Moha and Pep are plumbers/electricians in real life, and in The Odd-Job Men (Sis dies corrents in Catalan) they play subtly altered versions of themselves. The result is fascinating, funny and razor-sharp, proving that tragedy isn’t the only way to explore the themes of job insecurity or racism. A surprise and a delight.