National Bird
A film by Sonia Kennebeck
Uncovering some disturbing truths about modern American warfare
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A film by Sonia Kennebeck
Runtime: 92 minutes
Closed Captioning included
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Synopsis
Three courageous whistleblowers break the silence around the U.S. drone war – a decision that changes their lives forever.
National Bird follows the dramatic journey of three whistleblowers who are determined to break the silence around one of the most controversial current affairs issues of our time: The secret U.S. drone war.
At the center of the film are three U.S. veterans. Tortured by guilt over participating in the killing of faceless people in foreign countries, they decide to speak out publicly, despite the possible consequences.
Their stories take dramatic turns, leading one of the protagonists to Afghanistan where she learns about a horrendous incident. But her journey also gives hope for peace and redemption.
National Bird gives rare insight into the U.S. drone program through the eyes of soldiers and survivors, connecting their stories as never seen before in a documentary. Its images haunt the audience and bring a faraway issue close to home.
Notable Quotes & Reviews
GUARDIAN – UK – Berlinale/News Article
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/feb/15/sonia-kennebeck-us-air-force-drone-war-home-roost
“furious energy”
BOSTON HERALD - US - Daily newspaper - Berlinale preview
http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/movies/2016/02/coming_attractions
“scathing documentary”
Reuters article – good wire article (widely published)
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-filmfestival-berlin-nationalbird-idUSKCN0VM0PY
AP - INTL - news agency - interview
“"National Bird" is a powerful antidote to those who argue that drone warfare is an antiseptic way of killing.”
VARIETY - INTL trade paper - positive review
http://variety.com/2016/film/reviews/national-bird-film-review-1201706281/
“Chilling testimony” “”National Bird” should cast an impressive shadow”
THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER - INTL trade paper - positive review
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/national-bird-berlin-review-865191
“chilling exposé” “haunting, rather beautiful sequences
THE UPCOMING - UK - online culture magazine - positive review (4 stars)
http://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2016/02/14/national-bird-movie-review/
“If only this compelling documentary were science fiction…”
SCREEN DAILY - INTL - trade paper - review (positive)
“National Bird is becoming one of the festival’s buzz documentaries.”
SCREEN DAILY - INTL - trade paper - review (positive)
http://www.screendaily.com/reviews/national-bird-berlin-review/5100382.article
“This is a personal film about guilt.” “notably well-assembled”