The Birds Who Fear Death

The aptly titled "The Birds Who Fear Death" is a beautiful piece of Alberta & Canadian cinema. I had the pleasure of attending the screening at the Calgary International Film Festival and was incredibly touched by this moving & captivating film.

Sanjay Patel is a brilliant storyteller and the cinematography is absolutely breathtaking. As the characters go on no ordinary journey of self discovery, the audience is completely enthralled as we go along with them and we encounter unexpected turns along the way.

Sanjay honours the indigenous community by telling a story highlighting a reservation and the challenges faced through an entirely different lens that is so remarkably unique, while also being educational without forcing it. The absolutely brilliant cast rounds out this powerful film.

I highly recommend this film, and I hope it makes its way to the world stage where it deserves to be seen.

The death of their estranged father sends two brothers on the trip of a lifetime. As their father's spirit heads for the great beyond they head to the back of beyond, where it all started.

In this richly textured homecoming to a home they never knew, Bird, Adan and Ryan encounter beauty, tragedy, heartbreak, and ultimate loss.

Achingly beautiful prairie vistas are superbly captured as a backdrop to nuanced and righteously subtle actor portrayals.

The flight to Bird is indeed a complicated one. It dive bombs for truth, banks with introspection and swoops with unexpected mirth.

The Birds Who Fear Death is a movie worth watching with writer, director and producer Sanjay Patel's grit, passion and heart emblazoned across it's wingspan.

Writer, director Sanjay Patel has a real winner here. Through in-depth consultation with many members of Canada's indigenous community, combined with his own life experiences, he has crafted a story filled with heart, honesty, humour, serious personal and cultural conflict, more than a little heartbreak, and ultimately redemption.

The all-star cast is filled with many of Canada's finest actors, including Adam Beach, Simon Baker, Carmen Moore, Graham Greene, Glen Gould, Nathaniel Arcand, Michelle Thrush, Tanaya Beatty and so many more. Every member of the cast brings a level of honesty to their performances which elevates the movie from beginning to end. Huxley Fisher, as Norman is a standout, and I hope we get to see more of him over the years to come.

Charles Hamilton's cinematography is spot on, and often showcases the raw beauty of Alberta's natural scenery. This film is currently on the festival circuit and I highly recommend taking this one in.

This film is an absolute gem-full of heart... to say the least, with a gripping story, top-notch acting, and stunning visuals... The cast of Canada's finest Indigenous actors like Adam Beach and Graham Greene totally delivers, and the dialogue feels so real.

It dives deep into heavy themes like money, brotherhood, and losing touch with culture, but balances it all with moments that'll make you laugh and cry, often at the same time.... Sanjay Patel nailed it with his direction.

Caught it at the Calgary International Film Fest this weekend, and I seriously can't recommend it enough. If you get the chance, don't miss this one-it's unforgettable!

This film received a brilliant Red-Carpet screening at the Calgary International Film Festival A huge thank you to the sponsors and attendees for making this premiere a memorable evening, it truly lived up to the occasion.

The Birds Who Fear Death is an engaging Indigenous film that explores true to life issues with heart. The response of the audience to key moments of emotional depth, demonstrated the talents of the actors and director, keeping viewers fully vested in the storyline.

There were moments I could foresee but, it was clear that the plot unpredictability caught many by surprise. This added to the film's powerful impact. I found myself laughing, crying, and reflecting-three essential ingredients of cinematic excellence that make The Birds Who Fear Death a film worth recommending. You won't want to miss this experience!