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Director: Su Rynard
Su Rynard’s wide-ranging and contemplative documentary THE MESSENGER explores our deep-seated connection to birds and warns that the uncertain fate of songbirds might mirror our own. Moving from the northern reaches of the Boreal Forest to the base of Mount Ararat in Turkey to the streets of New York, THE MESSENGER brings us face-to-face with a remarkable variety of human-made perils that have devastated thrushes, warblers, orioles, tanagers, grosbeaks and many other airborne music-makers.
On one level, THE MESSENGER is an engaging, visually stunning, emotional journey, one that mixes its elegiac message with hopeful notes and unique glances into the influence of songbirds on our own expressions of the soul. On another level, THE MESSENGER is the artful story about the mass depletion of songbirds on multiple continents, and about those who are working to turn the tide.
In ancient times humans looked to the flight and songs of birds to protect the future. Today once again, birds have something to tell us.
“Over all, the arguments are persuasive, the message from the birds powerful, and the film a rich and satisfying call to action that is presented with some novel ideas for how to restore the ecological balance” – Helen T. Verongos, The New York Times
“The filmmakers, like the songbirds they advocate for, are only messengers, but their message is persuasive and terrifying.”- Amy Brady, The Village Voice
This screening is sponsored by the Ohio Sierra Club, Buckeye Forest Council and the Athens County Fracking Action Network. A panel discussion exploring the preservation of the Wayne National Forest from hydraulic fracturing and the potential impact to migratory birds and forest ecosystems will take place following the film. Athens Area Birders will discuss the birding opportunities in the region.
Special thanks to our panel members: Joe Haselbaker, Buckeye Forest Council, Caitlyn McDaniel, Ohio Sierra Club, Heather Cantino, Fracking Action Network, Athens Area Birders.
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89 MIN
