Bouncy brothers

For his celebrated short documentary Bouncy Brothers, the US director Nicholas J Santore chronicled his uncle Anthony Glazier’s pursuit of the American dream – that deeply entrenched national notion that anyone with a worthy idea and sweat to spare can succeed. Attempting to escape the confines of suburban Chicago and the nine-to-five grind, Glazier upended his life in his 50s, moving away from his extended family to run an inflatable bouncy house business in central Florida. Santore’s film captures Glazier’s hopes for self-sufficiency colliding with harsh realities.

Unreliable help, fickle clients, thin margins and his easy-going personality make it difficult to turn a profit despite his dedication to making it work. With his business barely staying aloft, his brother Ted moves to Florida for the summer to try to help him save it. Framed by intimate cinematography and Santore’s connection with his subjects, what emerges is a nuanced portrait of brotherhood that subtly challenges what it means to succeed in a capitalist system.

Producers: Nicholas J Santore, Tom Krawczyk How three Mexican window-washers of Chicago’s skyscrapers see the world How a millionaire traded his wealth for happiness – and a shoeshine box ‘I thought I was gonna be a teenager forever’: moving back in with the parents at 23 Embarrassment is love when you’re hanging with your pre-adolescent kid brother After traumatic childhoods, two sisters dedicate their golden years to fun Exit, pursued by Death: a young artist and rabble-rouser mines comedy from mortality Two brothers discuss girls, death and leaving home one aimless summer in Colorado Two hot-air balloon repairmen on crafting a life of small pleasures and great contentment For two brothers who rely on one another, love is a daily act of devotion