Carambola

Running time: 85 mins

Location: Mexico City. El Vago is an old school, three-cushion billiards man who has just won his own billiards hall in a game. And though he may hold dear the values of his sport, El Vago?s still just a hustler and not much of a businessman. Previous owner Mex, his daughter Pigeon, and her boyfriend Mutt are going to help Vago turn the hall into the type of successful establishment he wants. But Vago soon finds that?no matter what he can do with a cue?running his own hall isn?t as easy as he thought it would be.

Aside from the struggle to bring in customers, Vago must deal with his less than helpful partners. Mutt constantly tries to take advantage of Vago for his own gain. Pigeon, a sharp-tongued young woman, proves to be a dangerous temptation. Mex reveals his explosive temper. The whole time, Vago desires to make an instructional video on playing billiards and to host a special tournament among the champions, who each, at different points, offer their unique and comic insight into the game. When the tournament arrives, Vago has finally learned that you have to live the game to play it.

From disco-dance beats to salsa inspired cha-chas, Carambola has the rhythms of a rat-pack era caper flick. An original and edgy comedy, director Kurt Hollander gives audiences a ceaselessly entertaining look into the lives of people who are ruled by chance, competition, and the steadfast love for a simple but life-altering game.



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