Experiencing Interruptions?

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?

  • Liv Runesdatter
    Director
  • Liv Runesdatter
    Writer
  • Bjarte Mørner Tveit
    Producer
    The Mole, Cold Case Hammarskjöld, The Secret Lives of Pigs, Inside Fur
  • Joakim Hauge Vocke
    Producer
  • Jakob Hidle Høgeli
    Key Cast
  • Ingvald Aagenæs
    Key Cast
  • Ella Søndenå
    Key Cast
  • Edith Victoria Ødegård Dahle
    Key Cast
  • Daniel Dam Elnan
    Key Cast
  • Carmen Elvira Aspøy
    Key Cast
  • Joakim Hauge Vocke
    Cinematography
  • Kyrre Hervik Larsen
    Editor
  • Eirik Bekkeheien
    Sound production
  • Kyrre Hervik Larsen
    Color grade
  • Mari Flønes
    Dance teacher
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Fugler
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 37 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 30, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    75,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Norway
  • Country of Filming:
    Norway
  • Shooting Format:
    ARRI DIGITAL
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Nordisk Panorama
    Malmö
    Sweden
    September 21, 2023
    International premiere
    Competition: Young Nordic
  • Toronto Art Film Spirit Awards
    Toronto
    Canada
    Winner "Best Cinematographer"
  • Norwegian International Film Festival
    Haugesund
    Norway
    August 19, 2023
    Norwegian Premiere
    Official selection
  • The Norwegian Short Film Festival
    Grimstad
    Norway
    June 13, 2024
    Nominee
  • Prague International Film Awards
    Prague
    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 Festival
    Athens
    Greece
    Nominee
  • Noori Screendance Festival
    Salt Lake City
    United States
    Official Selection
  • KIDS FIRST! Film Festival
    Santa Fe
    United States
    Official Selection
  • NRV Youth Film Festival
    Blacksburg
    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
Director Biography - Liv Runesdatter

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.

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