As part of its Short Film Showcase, National Geographic has put the spotlight on castells, Catalonia's human towers. The report explores the tradition and explains its importance for Catalans.
"Catalonia is ruled by the Spanish government, but its people have been constructing independent kingdoms for centuries," they write in the description. "The structures are not typical fortresses—notably, they are made of flesh and bone rather than sandstone or granite—but their strong foundations serve as a unifying force for many Catalonians."
They interview members of all ages of colles, castell teams, who talk about the experience of being part of the towers, accompanied by footage taken at the largest annual competition in Tarragona, as well as at other performances and rehearsals. Similarly, they consider the danger inherent in the practice and the art's metaphorical resonance.