El Baño del Papa

Featured image for “El Baño del Papa”
Shown: January 8, 2013 at 6pm

Director : César Chalone & Enrique Fernández

Country : Uruguay

Release Date : 2007

Duration : 85 mins

Language : Spanish

Subtitles : Yes

It is 1988, and Melo, a Uruguayan town on the Brazilian border, awaits the visit of Pope John Paul II.  Numbers begin circulating: hundreds of people will come, thousands say the media.  To the poor citizens of Melo this means pilgrims in need of food and drink, paper flags, souvenirs, and commemorative medals.  Brimming with enthusiasm, the locals hope not only for divine blessing but also a small share of material happiness.  Petty smuggler Beto is certain that he’s found the best business idea of all, “The Pope’s Toilet”, where the thousands of visiting pilgrims can find relief.

Charming in a proper way, entirely avoiding sentiment and can be counted one of the best films in town.”  (Derek Malcolm – This is London)


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