They Flew Like Blackbirds
Black Filmmakers
•
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.
Up Next in Black Filmmakers
-
Something That Means Nothing (October)
The small apartment of a young woman making a film: laundry piles on the desk chair, tender karaoke in the living room, and a needy cat that makes life worth living. Nande Walters presents “Something That Means Nothing (October),” a vérité look at apartment living, moments alone, and in between. ...
-
June 22nd
A group of high school seniors try to make it to the beach on one of their final days as teenagers. Michael .T directs “June 22nd,” a day in the life snapshot of a youthful summer afternoon. When Kevin, Mira, Hope, and Dev decide to escape the heat of their east coast town for a day at the beach,...
-
Speak in my Language
Two souls meet on the New York City subway and communicate with each other through telepathy. Gabriel Guzman directs “Speak in My Language,” a poetic portrait of a cosmic romance that seems fated to last forever. After meeting on the train and discovering they share the same ability to read each ...