A team of Japanese semiprofessional cyclists have traveled to Burkina Faso to compete in Africa’s most prestigious bicycle race, the Tour du Faso. But director Giommi Giovanni’s film is not simply about the sport of cycling. Instead he uses the race as an opportunity to explore the stark contrasts and human similarities of lives in the developed and developing worlds. From touchstones such as the needs of a car, the place of family, and even bicycles themselves, the film lyrically portrays the nature of “normal life” for both the visiting Japanese and the local Africans. It asks a pointed question: are these worlds truly incompatible?

This film is the Documentary Feature Winner and screens for a third time on Wednesday, October 22, 7:30 pm at the Alamo Drafthouse Lakecreek. Click Here to add it to your calendar.