The Embrace of a Bird
THIS SHORT FILM needs to be seen because it will make audiences realize how a simple hug can heal from your heart to your soul. Even though it comes from a stranger. “The Embrace of a Bird” is based in true events, about the broken marriage of Tyler and Eve who after losing their young son, they are going through a crucial moment in their relationship. Thinking that Eve is on her way to a job interview,Tyler is about to sell some patents when he realizes that somehow he has Eve's folder instead of his, revealing that his wife is actually on her way somewhere else. Leaving Eve with the actual patents and exposing her true intentions. Eve is fighting her own battles. In her attempt to find an escape from her own sadness, she crosses paths with a stranger and a crow. All three vulnerable creatures are in search of compassion and redemption in a desperate moment of desolation, hopelessness and bereavement that brings them all a deep peace, defining the course of their lives.
Fun Facts of Movie
Directed by Vange Tapia & Sofia Ayerdi. 13min 14sec
*SOFIA AYERDI*
Young talented rising filmmaker from Mexico, who produces, writes and directs. She is an alumna of the Gold Rising Program of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and was chosen as a trophy presenter at the 2022 Oscars.
She is a member of Blackmagic Design’s Blackmagic Collective and was part of the First Frame Initiative for emerging directors.
She’s also a fellow for the Netflix-sponsored LALIFF Inclusion Fellowship, Hola Mexico Film Festival alumna of the Tomorrow’s Filmmakers today and she was selected as one of the mitú x Walmart Filmmaker Mentorship Program.
Her short films have been selected and recognized at several festivals.
*VANGE TAPIA*
Multilingual Actress, VO talent, TV Host and Producer from Mexico City. She’s fluent in English, Spanish & French, plus speaks conversational Italian.
She started producing short films (written, directed, edited and performed by her) for family and friends but never in a professional level, until “The Embrace of a Bird”. her most personal project based on real life-events, that she wrote, produced, performed in addition to co-directed with Sofia Ayerdi.
Vange has performed in several TV and radio spots, TV series, films and theater as well as she has dubbed films and television for both Mexico and the US.
She began her career as a teenager with a series of award-winning TV commercials where she delivered a series of 30 second monologues for national television which gave her critical acclaim and introduced her to the Film, Television and Voice Over industry.
She went on to book a lead role in the TV series “Hora Marcada” – Episode: “No Returnable” with both Academy Award winners Director Alfonso Cuarón and Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki.
Achieving clarity of her two passions – travel and performing – Vange found a great opportunity to combine both professions as on-camera host and writer in Spanish and English for the Travel Channel Online for Brand USA/Discover America (Now “Visit the USA”).
Inspired by her travel hosting experience and the work she created, Vange founded the collective “Actors S/ash”, a community of international and local talent in Hollywood with multi-s/ash filmmakers in collaboration with other fellow creative minds in the entertainment Industry.
Actors S/ash has since blossomed; hosting mixers, summits, organizing workshops, co-host festivals and putting filmmakers in touch with major studios. Vange has hosted screenings and panels at cultural venues such as the CCCM (Cultural Center of Cinematic Arts) located at the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles, and at International Film and Theater festivals where she has been invited as a Jury, Community Outreach, Supporting Organization & Co-producer.
Director Statement
While I’ve filmed a few experimental and personal projects for family and friends, “The Embrace of a Bird” represents my very first professional production. It was first taken by a few different directors to be part of it. The story is so rich that was rapidly transformed into different narratives and directions, versions away from my original experience and vision if we take to the account that the story is based in real life events that happened to me. The pandemic also was a factor that prevented me from developing it and filming it.
I admit that I procrastinated for a long time until finally I decided to take the project back to my hands and to lead it until its final cut and post-production, exactly the way I envisioned it.
With a crew of only five members (including Emmy award-winner, sound recordist, Alexadra Parral) and three professional actors including myself, we finally shot it outdoors in two days with an iPhone 15 pro and a Blackmagic app installed on the phone. No gaffer. Only natural daylight.
Post-production and more support came a couple of months later, after others read the script and saw the shot list and the material filmed. Hispanic leading studios such as Trulove Post and ArtZun Studio as well as Hollywood renowned Spanish composer Pancho Burgos-Goizueta believed in the project and gave their heart and soul to put together this important and personal project for me.
The vast collaboration that joined this project made it a multicultural and multi-production with talent and filmmakers from the US, México, Argentina, Spain and Algeria.
AS A WRITER of this story based on my own personal true events, expressing in paper such an intimate moment was rather relieving.
AS A PRODUCER and DIRECTOR of this short, it was a catharsis to bring “The Embrace of a Bird” to life. It was so rewarding finding the right actors and crew who believed, supported and joined the journey.
AND AS AN ACTRESS, to recreate the real me in a form of a scripted character and to emotionally detach myself from it, was a necessity. So, I cut my hair 12″, I created fictional characters based on the originals, and I modified the narrative.
AS A CO-DIRECTOR. At the time of shooting, I just wanted to focus on my performance and to feel from a different perspective without having to think in the directorial aspect, so I asked Sofía Ayerdi to co-direct with me.
She totally captured the essence of the narrative from the moment I approached her.
While she understood and respected the script without losing sight of my vision, she was instrumental in sharpening it.
She embarked in the pre-production process with me from the very beginning.
Users Reviews
Lina Reve
Beautiful film. Amazing that it was shot with an iPhone and based on real life. The writing and performances are also really good. Unexpected tweaks.
Beautiful film. Amazing that it was shot with an iPhone and based on real life. The writing and performances are also really good. Unexpected tweaks.
Bruno Musso Belli
A story that inspires to believe a little more about the human being.
A story that inspires to believe a little more about the human being.
GINOT
This story touched my heart, well done! 🙏❤️
This story touched my heart, well done! 🙏❤️
AP
This is such a beautiful and heartfelt slice of life. You just feel like you´re there with the characters. Thank you to the team for bringing such an intimate and warm approach to this sensitive subject and letting us get closer to the people who through processes like these.
This is such a beautiful and heartfelt slice of life. You just feel like you´re there with the characters. Thank you to the team for bringing such an intimate and warm approach to this sensitive subject and letting us get closer to the people who through processes like these.
Justin Regis
Such a bittersweet story! Acting is *really* good. My heart ached watching these people go through their own pain and regret. Great performances all around. Hard to believe this was shot on a smartphone!
Such a bittersweet story! Acting is *really* good. My heart ached watching these people go through their own pain and regret. Great performances all around. Hard to believe this was shot on a smartphone!
Verónica Jiménez
Me encantó, una forma de mostrar la empatía que debe tener uno ente el dolor ajeno y la importancia de la comunicación
Me encantó, una forma de mostrar la empatía que debe tener uno ente el dolor ajeno y la importancia de la comunicación
Felipe de Lara
What a moving story, The Embrace of a Bird! Very beautiful!!
What a moving story, The Embrace of a Bird! Very beautiful!!
Diana Alvort
Embrace of a bird touched my heart, I could feel the pain of the characters and the music and sunset elevated those simultaneous feelings of beauty and sorrow.
Compassion is the core of this film! and for us watchers, it make us to experience it for the characters and the world, along with a sense of hope and strength.
Embrace of a bird touched my heart, I could feel the pain of the characters and the music and sunset elevated those simultaneous feelings of beauty and sorrow.
Compassion is the core of this film! and for us watchers, it make us to experience it for the characters and the world, along with a sense of hope and strength.
Elena
Congratulations to all the team! It’s always great to create and bring stories alive!!!
Congratulations to all the team! It’s always great to create and bring stories alive!!!
MC
We all have heard that when a butterfly flaps its wings, there’s a repercussion on the other side of the world. Similarly with ravens, that summon not only their own, but something else, and I find that really touching.
We all have heard that when a butterfly flaps its wings, there’s a repercussion on the other side of the world. Similarly with ravens, that summon not only their own, but something else, and I find that really touching.
Steve Beimler’s
Beautiful film and very well casted! Raw emotions that the lead to an uplifting ending (that – doesn’t “end”!) 💕
Beautiful film and very well casted! Raw emotions that the lead to an uplifting ending (that – doesn’t “end”!) 💕
Greg Bennett
Wonderful film. I am lucky to have been a part of it.
Wonderful film. I am lucky to have been a part of it.
Raul Pulido
I cryed at the beautiful ending.
Thank you very much.
I hope to see more of your films very soon
Raul – Mexico
I cryed at the beautiful ending.
Thank you very much.
I hope to see more of your films very soon
Raul – Mexico
Samantha Oldroyd
So much thought and heart went into this film. The storyline engages and pace is perfect. Plus it was shot on iPhone! Love the unexpected twist at the end. 10/10 from me
So much thought and heart went into this film. The storyline engages and pace is perfect. Plus it was shot on iPhone! Love the unexpected twist at the end. 10/10 from me
Pedro Avila
The Embrace of a Bird is beautifully moving, 💥🎥
The Embrace of a Bird is beautifully moving, 💥🎥
Mike Cabral
Very lovely story. 10/10
Very lovely story. 10/10
Anouar
Such a moving story that recounts our fears, our hopes, and our shared humanity.
Nicely done.
Such a moving story that recounts our fears, our hopes, and our shared humanity.
Nicely done.
Miguel Campos
Such a powerful and moving film I was glued to the screen from beginning to end
10-10
Such a powerful and moving film I was glued to the screen from beginning to end
10-10
Ana Báez
Excellent film that keeps you interested all the way.
Great story in which you never know whats next to happen. At last it really made me think about how can we change all the time the routes of our lives.
Congrats to all the staff and specially Vange.
Excellent film that keeps you interested all the way.
Great story in which you never know whats next to happen. At last it really made me think about how can we change all the time the routes of our lives.
Congrats to all the staff and specially Vange.
Carina Acuhna
10-10 Touching, heartfelt, human. Definitely a real Embrace to heart and soul
10-10 Touching, heartfelt, human. Definitely a real Embrace to heart and soul
Rolland
Definitely a TEN (10) – Thank you for this gift. I wish we could see it on the big screen.
Definitely a TEN (10) – Thank you for this gift. I wish we could see it on the big screen.
Paulina Shave
I loved the story, the acting and the heartfelt meaning of the story ! Can’t believe it was made using a phone!
I loved the story, the acting and the heartfelt meaning of the story ! Can’t believe it was made using a phone!
Paulina Shave
I loved the story, the acting and the heartfelt meaning of the story ! Can’t believe it was made using a phone!
I loved the story, the acting and the heartfelt meaning of the story ! Can’t believe it was made using a phone!
Paulina Shave
Great acting, amazing that it was done using a phone and such a heartfelt story line.
Great acting, amazing that it was done using a phone and such a heartfelt story line.
Gabriela T. Jiménez
Me gusto mucho la historia, por que habla del amor en diferentes momentos, toca la empatía, apoyo inclusive con un extraño,.
Me gusto mucho la historia, por que habla del amor en diferentes momentos, toca la empatía, apoyo inclusive con un extraño,.
Gabriela Tapia
I love it, amazing that they did
it with a cellphone!
Beautiful story ❤️
10-10
I love it, amazing that they did
it with a cellphone!
Beautiful story ❤️
10-10
Lucia Vico
Must watch film!! Very moving story and beautiful message, amazing performance by everyone, especially the lead actress Vange Tapia. 10/10
Must watch film!! Very moving story and beautiful message, amazing performance by everyone, especially the lead actress Vange Tapia. 10/10
Lucia Vico
Must watch film!! Very moving story and beautiful message, amazing performance by everyone, especially the lead actress Vange Tapia. 10/10
Must watch film!! Very moving story and beautiful message, amazing performance by everyone, especially the lead actress Vange Tapia. 10/10
AJ Adelman
Such a powerful and meaningful film. Based on real life accounts at its essence it’s a story of compassion and resilience. After viewing, the film continues to stay with me in both my heart and mind. Felicidades to the actors and team!!!
Such a powerful and meaningful film. Based on real life accounts at its essence it’s a story of compassion and resilience. After viewing, the film continues to stay with me in both my heart and mind. Felicidades to the actors and team!!!
colortape
Well Done! Just reached 3rd place for the month of May in International Shorts category! Bravo!
Well Done! Just reached 3rd place for the month of May in International Shorts category! Bravo!
Gisela M
Touching, heartfelt…a story that belongs to all and that we can all relate to. Great acting and editing. And with a phone? Bravo!
Touching, heartfelt…a story that belongs to all and that we can all relate to. Great acting and editing. And with a phone? Bravo!
Simon Morton
10/10 rating for this lovely short!
10/10 rating for this lovely short!
Pablo gil Arch
me gusto, se me hizo original tiene buen mensaje
me gusto, se me hizo original tiene buen mensaje
Pablo Gil Arch
Me gusto la historia, se me hizo original tiene buen mensaje
Me gusto la historia, se me hizo original tiene buen mensaje
Ale Quiroga
An original and moving script from beginning to end. It is a great short film. 10/10
An original and moving script from beginning to end. It is a great short film. 10/10