Event
The Messenger
THE MESSENGER is a visually stunning ode to the beauty and importance of the imperiled songbird, and what it will mean to all of us on both a global and human level if we lose them.
Director Su Rynard’s wide-ranging and contemplative documentary explores our ancient connection to birds, and warns that the uncertain fate of songbirds around the globe might be a harbinger of our own future.
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.
The Messenger is an engaging, visually stunning, and emotional documentary that mixes its portentous message with hope, glancing into the influence of songbirds on our own expressions of the soul.
Directed by Su Rynard
Runtime 84 minutes
"The filmmakers, like the songbirds they advocate for, are only messengers, but their message is persuasive."
"Filmmaker Su Rynard painstakingly surveys the ornithological research around the world, providing a comprehensive primer...The slow-motion close-ups alone should convince you these magnificent creatures are well worth the effort."
"LUSH...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."
"Awe and hard science share center stage in The Messenger...The doc’s stunning slo-mo footage of midair locomotion emphasizes these messengers’ grace and mystery."
