They Flew Like Blackbirds
From the Archives
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Drama, Short Films, 19-Jun-2023
In the old American South, a misplaced black teen with a white adoptive family becomes curious about her roots after hearing birds for the first time. Shannon M. Sutherland directs “They Flew Like Blackbirds,” a magical-realist drama set in the deep south in the early 20th century. Found as a baby by a white family, Belle seems to have been brought up as more of a pariah than a daughter. Forced to accustom to their strange rituals and ways, the disconnect between Belle and her family is evident. In the middle of one evening, Belle hears something strange outside. She’s met by a stranger who, black like her, speaks in a language that she seems to understand. Conflicted by this encounter and other dreamlike visions, Belle must confront her current family as well as a possible new one. Set in a strong cinematic world, Sutherland’s film tackles double conscious identity while using compelling magical realist storytelling. -Jinho Myung. Director: Shannon M. Sutherland. Cast: Cayla Jackson, Rachel Brownhill, Henry Tisdale, Dylan Redshaw, Derek Reginald. Director of Photography: EmilyFaye C. Sidorovich. Producer, Editor: Kennisa Ragland. Production Designer: Anthony Fins. Composer: Jean Michel Maujean.
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