Of Great Events and Ordinary People

This 1978 documentary explores the French elections through the eyes of a disillusioned Chilean exile living in Paris' eleventh arrondissement. When the expected Left victory does not materialize, director Ruiz takes this as an opportunity to create a film that reflects his own artistic vision rather than solely delivering political commentary. The resulting work is an intricate web of digressions and 'dispersal', drawing inspiration from Ruiz's earlier experimental films in Chile during the 1960s.In this innovative documentary, political content takes a back seat as the focus shifts to the filmmaking process itself. By the end of the film, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine who actually won the election and why, reinforcing the idea that the true subject is the intricate tapestry of the film's creation rather than the events it documents. This captivating documentary serves as a unique reflection on the art of filmmaking while subtly challenging conventional political discourse.