The Ornithologist

Directed by: João Pedro Rodrigues

2016 | Portugal | 117 minutes

Fernando, a solitary ornithologist, is looking for endangered black storks along a remote river in northern Portugal when he is swept away by the rapids. Rescued by a couple of Chinese pilgrim girls on their way to Santiago de Compostela, he plunges into a dark, eerie forest, trying to get back on track. But as he encounters unexpected and uncanny obstacles and people who put him to the test, Fernando is driven to extreme, transformative actions. Gradually he becomes a different man: inspired, multifaceted, and finally enlightened.

"Mr. Rodrigues ultimately delivers an intriguing, daring film that is likely to surprise both his fans and moviegoers unfamiliar with his work." - Glenn Kennedy, The New York Times

"This gorgeously realized feature, shot entirely outdoors, explores the agony and ecstasy of a birdwatcher called Fernando, whose encounters after an accident in a nature reserve start to echo elements of the life of Anthony of Padua." - Boyd van Hoeij, Hollywood Reporter