Hot Docs 2009

In the early nineties, Peru was hit by a devastating economic collapse. A large number of the country's middle class-teachers, economists, actors, secret service agents, housewives-were forced to take on extra work as taxi drivers in order to make ends meet. Honigmann introduces us to this fascinating stratum of Peruvian society by taking us on a road trip/philosophical journey through the streets of Lima and the lives of some smart, perceptive and humourous characters. Often, the entry point to a discussion about the country's current state of affairs or the cab driver's own struggle is a well-placed question about their dilapidated cars. Their observations are lyrical and astute. One man says that cab drivers are the "seafarers of the 20th century" while another, an employee of the Ministry of Justice, states that he paints his car green because it is the colour of hope. Honigmann smartly demonstrates that these taxi drivers' relationships to their broken-down automobiles are as bitter-sweet and complex as their feelings towards their country; both cab and country are equally ramshackle and beloved.