France, 2015, 84 min, 2K DCP, Dir. Olivier Ringer, Live Action, French with English Subtitles, Ages 8+
Birds of Passage
Florida Premiere
"Engaging right from the beginning, making you believe in miracles." - Movies Move Me
Two young friends learn teamwork and experience freedom for the first time as they overcome physical and emotional barriers in order to save a duckling, in this heartwarming tale from Belgian director Olivier Ringer. It's Cathy's 10th birthday, and her parents both want to do something extra-special for their thoughtful and caring daughter. Her mother, who tends to be practical and cautious, throws a traditional party and gives Cathy a cellphone; her quirky dad gives her an egg, instructing her that she must be there to witness it hatch. However, during a birthday game of hide-and-seek, it's Cathy's friend Margaux who sees the egg open to reveal a tiny duckling. Though the newborn baby bird immediately thinks she is its mother, Margaux's parents will not let her keep it because they believe that her wheelchair will limit her ability to care for it. Fearing for the duckling's fate at a breeding farm — a place known disingenuously as "bird paradise" — Margaux and Cathy resolve to set the young animal free. Director Olivier Ringer's film is a heartwarming and realistic portrayal of a journey, in which two friends overcome physical and emotional barriers to truly experience freedom for the first time in their lives. Winner of the Grand Pize Feature Award at NYICFF. This film is suitable for ages 8+
Miami Film Development Project’s Artistic Director Ronald Baez will lead a brief discussion on live-action narrative filmmaking following the screening of Birds of Passage.
The Coral Gables Art Cinema & the New York International Children’s Film Festival give a special thanks to everyone who came out to the 4th Annual 2016 Miami International Children's Film Festival! Check out the 2016 MICFF event calendar here.
Check out the rest of our 2016 Miami International Children's Film Festival program!