Experiencing Interruptions?

The Giant Bird

Through the innocent eyes of a bird couple, the story explores the
devastating impact of war. Mistaking airplanes for benevolent
giants, their hope turns to horror as they witness the destructive
power of bombs, shattering their trust in the seemingly godlike
humans they control. This realization ignites a powerful message
about the consequences of violence and the fragility of innocence.

  • Sharmeen Ahmed
    Director
  • Sharmeen Ahmed
    Producer
  • Mir Rakib-Un-Naby
    Producer
  • Sharmeen Ahmed
    Writer
  • Dhrubo Das
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, fiction, Environment, shortfilm, animation, anti-war
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 5 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 20, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    Bangladesh, Germany
  • Country of Filming:
    Germany
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Hochschule Rhein-Waal
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Palm Springs International Animation Festival (PSIAF)

    United States
    June 30, 2025
    2025 Maracuja Global Initiative Award
  • Connect kurzfilmfestival
    Unna
    Germany
    March 16, 2025
    Award Winner
  • Knowmad Short Film Festival

    Award winner
  • Female Film Festival Berlin
    Berlin
    Germany
    October 6, 2024
    Official Selection
  • On Earth Film Festival

    Poland
Director Biography - Sharmeen Ahmed

Born in Bangladesh, studied fine art majoring in Sculpture, and graduated from Hochschule Rhein-Waal, with a BA degree in Information and Communication Design.
After a long period of learning animation, screenwriting, screenplay and visual design, Sharmeen Ahmed brings a wealth of creative experience to her role as Director, having traversed the dynamic landscape of visual storytelling.
Her journey began as an animator and motion designer in 2011, where she developed the art of crafting captivating animations that breathe life into concepts, mastering the art of bringing characters and narratives to life through movement. This foundation in animation, coupled with a keen eye for design, propelled her to become a successful art director.
As a new filmmaker, Sharmeen draws upon this diverse background to orchestrate a seamless visual symphony. She possesses an understanding of each stage of the creative process, allowing her to effectively guide a team toward achieving impactful visuals. Sharmeen's passion for visual storytelling, combined with her leadership and collaborative spirit, inspires and empowers teams to push creative boundaries.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Inspired by the timeless short story of renowned Bangladeshi author Abu Ishaque's "Mahapatanga", published in 1963.
Our film unfolds amidst the chaos of war. Yet, our protagonists are not soldiers or refugees, but vulnerable chicks and their parents desperately trying to survive in the middle of a crumbling world.
The viewpoint allows us to witness the heartbreaking consequences of violence not just on humans, but on the delicate web of life that sustains us all. Beyond the emotional impact, the film will offer a powerful message about the environment. Lush landscapes become battlegrounds, vital sources of food vanish, and the once vibrant ecosystem teeters on the brink of collapse. This visual tapestry will serve as a stark reminder of the collateral damage inflicted by war, pushing the audience to consider its impact far beyond the human cost. This project is not just a film; it's a catalyst for change and encouraging young minds to think differently about conflict and its consequences.