Birds
The connection between six children and nature is explored through improvised dance and movement, showcasing the unique perspective of children as they interact with nature through play. Through the eyes of these young adventurers, we rediscover the world and how to cherish and comprehend our environment.
In a landscape where the authentic voices of children often play second fiddle to adult interpretations, "Birds" is a revelation. Here, children are not just passive actors but potent co-creators, channeling their unfiltered creativity and depth. Join us on this poetic journey to rediscover our lost connections, one where the chirps, rustles, and dances speak louder than words.
Over six transformative months, a class of third graders, alongside five dedicated artists, delved into a multidisciplinary art experiment. Their mission? To explore, understand, and articulate the rhythm and essence of their local woodland and birdlife. Under guidance of director Liv Runesdatter, this journey flourished into stunning installations, music, dance, and prose, all mirroring the nuanced language, movement, and habitats of the birds. The film climaxes as their artistic endeavours converge with the forest, the source of their inspiration.
The deliberate choice of not including dialogue not only enhances its universal appeal but also amplifies the potent message it carries. Through the children's profound interactions, we're confronted with the urgent need to revisit our relationship with nature. In a world burdened by its own excesses, their vivid and authentic expressions might just hold the key to unlocking a dormant connection we once treasured. Can their instinctual wisdom remind us of truths we've forgotten?
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Liv RunesdatterDirector
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Liv RunesdatterWriter
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Bjarte Mørner TveitProducerThe Mole, Cold Case Hammarskjöld, The Secret Lives of Pigs, Inside Fur
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Joakim Hauge VockeProducer
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Jakob Hidle HøgeliKey Cast
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Ingvald AagenæsKey Cast
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Ella SøndenåKey Cast
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Edith Victoria Ødegård DahleKey Cast
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Daniel Dam ElnanKey Cast
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Carmen Elvira AspøyKey Cast
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Joakim Hauge VockeCinematography
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Kyrre Hervik LarsenEditor
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Eirik BekkeheienSound production
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Kyrre Hervik LarsenColor grade
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Mari FlønesDance teacher
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Project Title (Original Language):Fugler
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Project Type:Experimental, Short
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Runtime:10 minutes 37 seconds
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Completion Date:June 30, 2023
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Production Budget:75,000 EUR
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Country of Origin:Norway
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Country of Filming:Norway
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Shooting Format:ARRI DIGITAL
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Aspect Ratio:2.35:1
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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Nordisk PanoramaMalmö
Sweden
September 21, 2023
International premiere
Competition: Young Nordic -
Toronto Art Film Spirit AwardsToronto
Canada
Winner "Best Cinematographer" -
Norwegian International Film FestivalHaugesund
Norway
August 19, 2023
Norwegian Premiere
Official selection -
The Norwegian Short Film FestivalGrimstad
Norway
June 13, 2024
Nominee -
Prague International Film AwardsPrague
Czech Republic
Official selection -
enCore Dance on Film
United States
Official Selection -
Experimental, Dance & Music Film Festival
Canada
Winner "Best Performances" -
Psaroloco International Children's & Young People’s Film Festivals
Greece
Official Selection -
KINO ATHENS International Independent Film FestivalAthens
Greece
Nominee -
Noori Screendance FestivalSalt Lake City
United States
Official Selection -
KIDS FIRST! Film FestivalSanta Fe
United States
Official Selection -
NRV Youth Film FestivalBlacksburg
United States
Honorable Mention -
Corposensibile
Italy
Official Selection -
DanzaTTack, Festival Internacional de CineDanza
Spain
Official Selection -
Idaho Screendance Festival
United States
Winner "Professional Film Artists Screendance" -
Children Cinema Awards (CCA)Amsterdam
Netherlands
Semi-Finalist
Liv Runesdatter is a critically acclaimed Norwegian singer, composer and producer. Through more than 25 years she has created and performed festivals, stage productions, installation works, exhibitions, albums, films and thousands of concerts, in collaboration with dancers, film makers, musicians, researchers, architects and visual artists from more than 30 countries, and performed her music on festivals and concert halls in Europe, USA, Middle East, Kaukasus and Canada.
"Birds" is her debut as short film director.