The movie
The Odd-Job Men
Subtle, funny, and beautifully observed study of Moroccan immigrant Mohamed trying to make it in Barcelona as a member of a handyman crew. But he’s up against the prejudice of fellow “odd-job” man Valero…
Length: 85 min
Country: Spain, Germany
Language spoken: Spanish, Catalan and Berber
Language subtitles: English
Cast: Mohamed Mellali, Valero Escolar, Pep Sarrà, Paqui Becerra
Director: Neus Ballús
Release date: 2022
Description
For their work here, Mohamed Mellali and Valero Escolar shared the Best Actor prize at Locarno last year, and the film itself snagged the Europa Cinemas Label Award—both well-deserved plaudits for 013 CIFF alumna Neus Ballús’ (her Staff Only opened the 2020 edition of the festival) subtle, funny, and beautifully observed study of Moroccan immigrant Mohamed (Mellali) trying to make it in Barcelona as a member of a handyman crew. But he’s up against the prejudice of fellow “odd-job” man Valero (Escolar)… All three of the main actors are non-pro handymen who workshopped the improvised script with Ballús over three years! A truly unique work.
‘Charming… yet sharp… Ballús’ deceptively modest, gently ingenious… warm-hearted movie is too wise to suggest anything as glib as that these two handymen are going to end up fixing one another, but it does at least proffer the hope that they can sort out a temporary patch.’—Jessica Kiang, Variety
‘Charming… yet sharp… Ballús’ deceptively modest, gently ingenious… warm-hearted movie is too wise to suggest anything as glib as that these two handymen are going to end up fixing one another, but it does at least proffer the hope that they can sort out a temporary patch.’—Jessica Kiang, Variety
