Niall McCloskey finds 'Order in the New World Mind' within The Peculiar Saga of Gubu Man
The Peculiar Saga of Gubu Man is the latest documentary from director duo Renata Lima and Silvio Severino, which recently premiered at Docs Ireland here in Belfast.
This beautifully bonkers little film explores the world of our titular Gubu Man (yes, that really is his name). The Peculiar Saga of Gubu Man tells the story of a former Dublin writer who is debilitated by a severe sensitivity to LED light. Unable to continue his work in a digital world dominated by computer screens and smartphones, Gubu Man turns to the craft of clay to create a novel through hand-made dolls. Exiled to the shadows of his home to escape the harsh glow of LED light, Gubu finds a way to express himself and engage with the outside world through the dystopian saga of the Gubu Dolls.
Docs from this duo this never fail to keep you engaged; Renata and Silvio raise so many questions from the moment you start watching: Who is Gubu Man? Why the sunglasses? What the hell is a Gubu Doll? The answers to which I won’t spoil here. Rather, I recommend that you run to catch this one wherever it’s showing. I can confidently say this was one of the most interesting docs I've had the pleasure to watch in 2025 so far.
Listening to Gubu Man himself read quotes from his book The Gubu Dolls Saga in dulcet tones is bizarrely relaxing. The team create an airtight exploration into this rich world and his followers – just wait until you watch a ‘Gubulation’ for the first time. Expert use of different camera mediums and strong, concise editing ensure this 15-minute runtime is all killer, no filler. Crisp and excellently mixed sound design, along with wonderful graphics, help to frame this delightful madness.
However, it’s not all a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party; there’s a true soul to this documentary. Exploring Gubu Man, dives into heart and soul of an artist – somebody who pushes on in the face of personal adversity to make something. Is that something eccentric and a little mad? Absolutely, but there is beauty in that too, which Renata and Silvio capture well. The Peculiar Saga of Gubu Man takes a microscopic look into one individual and the world he’s made. I, for one, will be heading down to the Dublin Alternative Market sometime soon to pick up my copy of the book and maybe a Gubu Doll or two to boot.
The Peculiar Saga of Gubu Man premiered on 29th June 2025 at Docs Ireland.
