“Birds Flying East”, interview with director Pau Durà and producer David Ciurana

September 26, 2024

Pau Durà and David Ciurana, director and producer, on "Birds Flying East", on anti-heroes, border-crossing and hope in humanity

"Birds Flying East", interview with director Pau Durà and producer David Ciurana Sarah Bradbury

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On the second night of the 20th edition of London Spanish Film Festival, Fred Film Radio spoke with the creators of “Birds Flying East” or “Pájaros“, director Pau Durà and producer David Ciurana.

The filmmakers shared how the feature not only follows a physical road trip across Europe but an interior one, as two seemingly opposite individuals both clash and find connection, run away from and face their pasts.

Durà spoke about how, although the feature is not autobiographical, it is informed by his own position in life, and his desire to unpack themes around parenthood, ageing and death but with humour and lightness, through “anti-heroic”, flawed characters. The creative duo also explained how they brought together their central trio, Javier Gutiérrez, Luis Zahera and Teresa Saponangelo, and the fun they had on set, particularly with the comedic scenes. And while the shoot across borders presented endless challenges, it was also key to the storytelling.

Finally, they expressed their wish that audiences find hope in humanity in their film, despite its tragic moments.

Plot

Colombo works at a parking lot and tops up his meager wages by selling weed. Mario is a lawyer and a keen birdwatcher whom, due to a past accident, is unable to drive. Mario offers to pay Colombo to drive him from Valencia to a lake in Spain’s Costa Brava, where he wants to see some cranes. Upon reaching the lake, Mario tells Colombo that the birds have changed their migratory route and are now going to nest in the Danube delta in Constanza, Romania… Much more than a trans-European road movie blending comedy and drama, Pájaros is about two men who are lost but who get to know and to help themselves and each other along the way. The performances by Gutiérrez and Zahera as perfectly flawed anti-heroes attempting to escape their lives are simply wonderful.

Written by: Sarah Bradbury

Guest

David Ciurana Pau Durà

Film

Birds flying east

Festival

London Spanish Film Festival

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“Birds Flying East”, interview with director Pau Durà and producer David Ciurana

Pau Durà and David Ciurana, director and producer, on "Birds Flying East", on anti-heroes, border-crossing and hope in humanity

Plot

Channel posts

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