Paradise Trips

A bunch of young, free-spirited Belgians hop on a bus headed for an electronic music festival in Croatia. They laugh, they sing, they smoke, they drink. It looks like a rollicking good time for all on board, save one: the grumpy bus driver. Mario is 40 years older than most of his passengers. He has spent decades driving seniors to sun and fun spots on his tour bus (called "Paradise Trips"). Now, on the verge of retirement, he has nothing but scowls for these latter-day hippies. Once they arrive at the outdoor festival, however, Mario gains a new perspective amidst the tents, campers, and all-night revelers. He befriends a Nintendo-playing young lad, benefits from the generosity of a soulful sage named Esmeralda, and stumbles upon a long-estranged relative. The latter encounter could change his life. In the comedy-drama PARADISE TRIPS, generations and old grudges collide as Mario goes in search of his smile. (Cleveland International Film Festival)