Sing Birds

[thoreau]

In the research I am doing for the new novel - I fell upon the treasure that is the documentary "Sing Birds" about the remerging culture of the Cahuilla nation of southern California. It is by Idyllwild documentary filmmaker Sean Owen.

Sometimes languages and stories are expressed so uniquely that they require their own ceremony. Idyllwild filmmaker Sean Owen directed the Opening Night film, Sing Birds: Following the Paths of Cahuilla Power, to capture the role of bird songs as a local custom.

Owen was drawn to the ceremonies after Gerald Clarke, the subject of his last film, Borderlands, invited him to attend a night of bird songs. For three years afterwards, local tribal bands allowed Owen to witness their traditions, including Robert Levi, who passed away during the first year of production, and elders Alvino Siva and Anthony Andreas, who died shortly after the film's Idyllwild premiere.

Owen realized the importance of elders sharing this way of life with younger generations. "For me, this appeared to be a very strong moment in Cahuilla culture. I know it's a cliché, but it was really a journey," said Owen. "The film started as one idea, and the people and the songs changed it to what it is."

It's fascinating..... here is the trailer of the film:

If this interests you - the entire 50-minute documentary is available to watch online at
http://nospecialability.com/trailers.htm