Birdsong
Directed by Michelle Cheng
Produced by Michelle Cheng
Written by Michelle Cheng
United States | English | 3' | Animated, Historical
“Birdsong” is a short film based on American field biologist John Sincock’s experiences in Hawaii. After a multi-decade tenure spent by sandy coasts and lush rainforests, his encounter with the last Kauaʻi ʻōʻō—a small, black bird—stands out as his most poignant memory.
In BIRDSONG Michelle Cheng manages to stir up emotions in less than three minutes and presents something that feels organic and thoughtful - a moving portrait that captures extinction; how do we catalogue the end of the world, even if it’s just one species? The animation is brilliant but simple, crafting a comfortable aesthetic that still harbors the growing issues of its world. It’s smart, evocative storytelling that really leaves an impact. Nicely done!
Lauren Reid Brown, Program Director