The Tailor

In this film the Spanish documentary maker Óscar Pérez takes us into the bowels of a small tailor's shop in the centre of Barcelona. It is run by the Pakistani Mohamed, who has hired as his assistant the older Indian–born Singh. In a minimalist style, and with a particular brand of humour, the director captures in just a few long shots the men's everyday routine. In the case of Mohamed, the working day is full of emotionally tense moments, whether quarrelling with customers about a lost pair of trousers or a poorly sewn coat, or arguing with Singh about his position and pay. This very intimate portrait of Singh and the perpetually annoyed Mohamed (who believes Pérez will make pots of money out of him with this film) offers an interesting insight into the two men's thinking and their adaptation to a different cultural environment.