Zed
Nature 2x52’ 90’

The Messenger

Sparrows, Buntings, Swallows, Thrush, Warblers — are just some of the many songbirds that fill our skies, yards and parks. For thousands of years these affecting songsters have been embarking on an incredible migratory journey across continents and oceans. But today they are threatened by climate change, pesticides, predators and city lights. In this rapidly changing world, songbirds are disappearing at an alarming rate, and their decline is a message to us all.

The Messenger is a powerful reflection and intimate investigation that reaches from the northern point of the Boreal Forest to the base of Turkey’s Mount Ararat to the urban streets of New York. On this journey we meet an engaging cast of ecologists, enthusiasts and every day people who are exposing the very real threats to these beautiful birds, and working for change.

As songbirds take flight and fight to survive in our changing world, The Messenger delivers a visually thrilling ode to the beauty and importance of these imperiled creatures, and what it will mean to all of us on both an global and human level if we lose them.

Direction: Su Rynard

Production: ARTE France, SongbirdSOS Productions & Films à Cinq

Languages: French, English

awards & festivals

  • Pariscience, Science Film Festival 2016

    Buffon biodiversity award

  • Environmental Film Festival Cinemambiente

    Honourable mention

  • Jackson Hole Festival (United States)

    Best Conservation Program

  • Hot Docs (Canada)

    Third in the Audience Poll

see also