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.

Director: Nicholas J Santore

Producers: Nicholas J Santore, Tom Krawczyk