20 years later, the carnival kings return—but can joy survive real life?
This is the story of a group of veteran musicians joined by two young artists to perform together after more than 20 years of inactivity in the Uruguayan carnival scene. In addition to demonstrating their talent, this film provides a look at their personal lives, lives that have always revolved around the magic of the carnival (Which lasts just a month per year), but that inevitably must make room for their daily life, far from show business and public recognition.
Acting
These are real lives, not performances—utterly unguarded.
Direction
Bednarik lets silence do the heavy lifting.
Score
The candombe rhythms will wreck your heart.
Director
Sebastián Bednarik
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Uruguayan candombe was born from Afro-Uruguayan communities in the 1800s; La Matinée documents its aging guard as younger generations abandon tradition for global pop.
Director Bednarik spent three years embedded with the group; the 'reunion' was his idea, making the film itself an intervention in their lives.
ES
