The Birds or how to be one | 2019

A hybrid film, at the edge of documentary, fiction, and political fantasy, by cinematographer Babis Makridis, of “L” (Sundance Film Festival 2012) and “Pity” (Sundance Film Festival 2018, Best Film, Greek Film Academy 2019).

The film “The Birds or how to be one” draws its inspiration from the archetypical myth of Aristophanes’s “The Birds,” Nikos Karathanos’s production, and its participants, filming them off stage, in real spaces and natural environments—from lava fields in Iceland to the plateaus of Patagonia, and from Times Square to the Egyptian pyramids. Everything takes place in a universe of fluid “everyday” routine, among theater people, ornithologists, and pragmatic recluses who all dream of flying.

The film had its world premiere at the Voices section of the International Film Festival Rotterdam 2020. The section presents "movies driven by powerful stories, captivating subjects and important themes. Each film brings a distinctive view of the world, from filmmakers with a confident voice". The movie was also part of Work in Progress by Les Arc Festival 2019, while in January 2020 it will be presented at Santiago a Mil Festival in Chile, together with the updated edition of "The Birds" performance by Nikos Karathanos.