Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers follows one evening in the lives of the Forcados Amadores de Montemor, a group of Portuguese bullfighters whose history stretches back to 1939. These are men accustomed to staring death in the face. In wordless scenes propelled by a thrilling soundtrack packed with distortion effects, bass and electric guitar, we see the bullfighters having their photographs taken in full regalia before returning to the biggest arena in the country – for the first time since the death of their leader José Maria Cortes. Their great idol is no more, and they are about to put their sense of invincibility to the test. This short, experimental film is dedicated to Cortes, whom the men commemorate with a photo on a small, improvised altar. With a quick prayer they hope to ward off the fear that might take hold when they let a raging bull take them onto its horns. Their fellow bullfighters rush to help as the ominous guitar music reaches a crescendo, bringing the drama to a climax. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)