Watch Bull Running in Pamplona

Bull Running in Pamplona is an exciting documentary film that explores the adrenaline-fueled spectacle of the annual Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. Directed by Olivier van der Zee, the film takes viewers on an unforgettable journey into the heart of this centuries-old tradition, exploring the cultural significance and danger of the event.

The film follows a group of international daredevils as they prepare to face off against some of the most fearsome bulls in the world. Among the participants are Jordi Boixaderas, a veteran bull runner with decades of experience; Noel Chandler, an American bullfighting enthusiast; and Joe Distler, a New York-based runner who has been attending the event for over 30 years.

Over the course of the film, viewers are taken behind the scenes of the Running of the Bulls, witnessing the preparations and rituals that take place in the days leading up to the event. We see the runners carefully reviewing maps of the route, marking out their starting positions, and psyching themselves up for the challenge ahead.

As the big day finally arrives, tensions run high as thousands of people crowd the narrow streets of Pamplona, waiting for the bulls to be released. Van der Zee captures the frenzied excitement of the moment, as the runners jostle and push for position, nervously eyeing the gate where the bulls will soon emerge.

When the moment finally arrives, the bulls burst out of the gate, snorting and kicking up clouds of dust as they charge down the street. The runners dash ahead, dodging hooves and horns with lightning-fast reflexes, their hearts pounding with fear and exhilaration.

Throughout the film, the directors use a mix of expert interviews, slow-motion footage, and immersive sound design to pull us into the action. We hear the pounding of hooves and the gasps of the crowd, feel the sweat and adrenaline of the runners, and come to understand the deep cultural and emotional significance of this ancient tradition.

While the spectacle of the Running of the Bulls is undeniably exhilarating, the film also takes a nuanced look at the ethical concerns surrounding the event. Van der Zee interviews animal welfare advocates and explores the impact of the event on the bulls themselves, revealing a more complex and controversial side of the tradition.

Ultimately, Bull Running in Pamplona is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary that offers a rare glimpse into one of the world's most iconic cultural events. Whether you're a fan of bullfighting or simply curious about the human experience, this film is sure to captivate and inspire.