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★★★★★
Directed by: #RadheyaJegatheva
Short Film Review by: Alexandra James
Bird Drone is a love story between an injured seagull and a human-operated drone with a short battery life. This short animation focuses on the theme of unrequited love and moving forward when relationships crumble, the idea of picking yourself back up and starting again. This can often be the best thing not only for your mental wellbeing but also fate, as you never know what is around the corner. The film also comments on the connection between humans and technology and highlights how the advancement within technology can sometimes take away from the actual experiences we have, as we lose what it means to be human by lacking that connection with both people and nature. Director Radheya Jegatheva is an Oscar-qualified and AACTA-nominated filmmaker from Perth and spent 3 years creating the animation Bird Drone, and this is certainly reflected with the level of detail, from the characters and their appearance to the narrative itself, a heartwarming but also bittersweet tale of love.
The animation begins with a lonely seagull with a defective eye, looking longingly at the other seagulls who have found their mate for life. Wishing to find that connection too, the seagull seeks out a partnership with a drone that happens to be flying over and its camera looks very similar to the gull’s own eye injury! With a common bond found, the pair fly off into the sky overlooking the crystal-clear sea and sharing beautiful moments together. Unfortunately, this friendship quickly diminishes as the drone begins to lose power and plummets into the ocean. As the story transpires, the bird learns that all is not as it seems when confronted with the controller of the drone. The narrative includes the highs and lows that comes with relationships and navigating our way through hard times. It’s clear that Jegatheva focuses on the full scope of emotions, as well as the aftereffects of the relationship.
It was fascinating to see that without a single word of dialogue the audience can relate and connect with the seagull and witness the development of a newfound friendship. The imagery and colours used within this animation were mesmerising and allowed the viewer to become completely swept away within the tale. It was an exceptionally moving short film and rather nostalgic in a way, especially for those that enjoy the classic Pixar animations, I would very much liken this piece to that standard and quality. Director Radheya Jegatheva’s innovative imagination shines through and it is apparent that his dedication to the cause has paid off with such a beautiful film that can appeal to those of all ages.
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