The Ornithologist

'The Ornithologist' presents Fernando, who is an ornithologist. He has been spending time with his boyfriend, with whom he lives in Lisbon. Fernando becomes interested in a stork that lives in the forests of Tras-os-Montes, a region located in north-eastern Portugal, close to the border with Spain.

The zoologist soon decides to go to the region and enter its leafy forests to study how the storks live, given that they are disappearing. He also takes the chance to study the environmental situation of other birds in the area. Whilst in his canoe, looking at some birds, his canoe capsizes.

With his luggage completely destroyed, Fernando embarks on a journey which let?s him experience the forrest?s more wild side. The young ornithologist will face Chinese tourists who think he is a demon, as well as people who perform tribal rituals. All this while the danger of nature itself lurks. Winner of the award for best director at the 69th Locarno Film Festival.

'The Ornithologist' is directed and written by João Pedro Rodrigues. Starring Paul Hamy, Xelo Cagiao and João Pedro Rodrigues. Produced by João Figueiras and Diogo Varela Silva. Co-production between Portugal, France and Brazil. A Blackmaria production. Nominated for three Fénix Awards, for best picture, best director and best sound.