Feature Films:
The Bird Can't Fly (2008)
Melody returns home to Fairlands for the funeral of her estranged daughter June. But the town has almost disappeared under the encroaching desert. She also has to confront the fact that she has a 10 year old grandson, River, whose existence she knew nothing about. Melody decides to take River away with her but he is resistant. He has worked out an ambitious plan to survive, by breeding the ostriches he and his mother used to feed. Also his father, Scoop, an idle musician and the town's postman, wants her to leave because he has a secret to hide. A series of confrontations ensues until Melody discovers the truth. It's only when a sandstorm forces Melody and River to take shelter together, that Melody faces some painful facts from her past, which allows both of them to reach an understanding and to begin a new future together.
Accolades include:
The City of Utrecht Film Prize, for the best Dutch debut.
Gouden Kalf nominations for best sound design and camera.
Special Jury Award Sofia IFF for creating a unique and magical world.
