GFF The Ornithologist (O Ornitólogo)

João Pedro Rodrigues’ surreal, subversive fifth feature confirms him as a visionary talent in the same league as Lav Diaz and Apichatpong Weerasethakul. Bird watcher Fernando (Paul Hamy) is kayaking through a nature reserve in northern Portugal, seeking a rare glimpse of a black stork. Capsized by the force of the rapids, he embarks on a deeply personal pilgrimage marked by strange meetings, homoerotic encounters and a growing spiritual awakening. His story increasingly echoes the life of Saint Anthony of Padua as he journeys towards a profound sense of rebirth.

Also screening on Fri 24 Feb, 1.15pm