On The Wing trailer
Video/Film by Dan Viens
Description: On The Wing is a documentary film that tells the story of Portland's Chapman Swifts. This trailer gives you a peek at the phenomenon and its cult following. More information at swiftsmovie.com
This film is playing Sunday at Whitsell Auditorium (Portland Art Museum) and we have a pair of tickets to give away. To Win: Comment on this post why you'd like to attend. Winner will be drawn Friday (July 30) at noon.
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From NW Film Center:
Northwest Film Center presents:The largest known swift roost in the world— over 30,000 birds—is in a school chimney and can be witnessed each September in Portland. Those in the know have wandered into this quiet neighborhood for years to spread a picnic blanket on the school's lawn and enjoy an enchanting evening of avian acrobatics. "This documentary about the celebrated semi-annual appearance of the speedy little birdies called Vaux's swifts at Northwest Portland's Chapman Elementary School is a lively and colorful tapestry of human and avian life, and a great advertisement for the many things that help keep Portland weird."—Shawn Levy, The Oregonian ( 61 mins. )
With support from the Audubon Society of Portland.
The Film Center's Northwest Tracking series, showcases the work of independent filmmakers living and working in the Northwest—Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington—whose work reflects the vibrant cinematic culture of the region. Whether presenting single artist retrospectives, new features, documentaries, or inspired collections of short works, Northwest Tracking offers testimony to the creativity and talent in our flourishing media arts community.
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I love documentaries and these birds have fascinated me since I moved here!
I lurve the Swifts!
Such a charming point of interest in a charming and interesting city!
I moved here from WY and only just heard about the swifts. I’m a wildlife biologist who has worked with animals in vast wilderness settings (wolves, bears, caribou) and have been touched by the spirit and passion Portlanders extend to urban wildlife and ensuring their conservation. Gives us all hope for the future of long-term wildlife conservation.
Documentaries is one of my favorites to watch. This sounds very interesting!
I have been trying to make it out to see them in so long!
Odd. Literally 25 seconds before I saw this my girlfriend told me we “have to see the SWIFTS!” I can’t quite put a meaning behind this as of yet, but we’ll see.
The swifts are so amazing… and the Peregrine Falcon who plays the villain is interesting to watch too.
This is such a gorgeous, phenomenal Portland only event. I love how it is celebrated by the locals and now broadcast for everyone to see. I hope I’m one of the first to view the flick on the big screen!
I love the swifts!
i love the swifts – they’re on the cover of my band’s album. i’d love to see the documentary!
i love birdwatching and documentaries so this would be the perfect combo. I have never been in town when the swifts are on the wing so this would be a great opportunity to see and learn more about our local phenomenom.
we’ve been watching this in person for years and years – now that it’s become such a phenom we really would love to see what some cinematic viewing can do – sitting on the lawn with your glasses and binocs must be nothing compared to the lens!
I organized the annual Humanists of Greater Portland Chapman Swifts event. I would love to see the documentary.