LISBON STORY European Union Films From Cannes

Originally commissioned to do a documentary portrait of the city of Lisbon, director Wim·
Wenders found his creative expression unfettered when plans changed and he was able to use
his distinctive style to create a charming comedy about a film director in Lisbon to shoot a
documentary. The story centers on Phillip, a German sound engineer who has been summoned
to Lisbon by a director friend to shoot a documentary When he arrives, he finds his friend has
vanished, leaving his apartment open. Phillip makes himself at home, and sets about with his fur
covered microphone recording the sounds of the city. Using the Portuguese band Madredeus and
the sounds of the city, Wenders offers a lively view of Lisbon, and makes some astute statements
on the history of cinema along the way.