Wanna have some fun? Get a Volvo truck, paint it bright red and drive the thing through the streets of an ancient Spanish town, such as Ciudad Rodrigo, during its annual running of the bulls festival.
Oh wait, never mind. That’s already been done by Hollywood stuntman, Rob Hunt in the nifty little film, The Chase. Specialising in precision driving stunts, Hunt’s work has been featured in action flicks like Prince of Persia, Batman Begins and James Bond: Quantum of Solace and proved to be just the ticket for this amped up and adrenaline infused romp.
Directed by Oscar-nominee Henry Alex Rubin, The Chase was shot live and stars Hunt as the fast-reflex driver along with locals from Cuidad Rodrigo (including the mayor), a herd of 800kg bulls and of course a shiny red Volvo FL 12-tonne truck manoeuvring the tight lanes of this age-old Spanish town. Behind the scenes, a crew of 250 people, two veterinary teams, 28 medics and eight police teams worked to make sure the film was made without a hitch or any injury to participants (human and bovine).
Situated in Salamanca in north-western Spain near the Portuguese border, the cathedral town of Cuidad Rodrigo and its 14,000 residents host the Carnaval del Toro every year. Dating back to 1417, it’s the oldest festival of its kind. Yep, yet another place to add to the list! Find out more at carnavaldeltoro.es.
