This video takes place in several public and private institutions and archives across Sweden. It targets to mimic the purpose of educational videos and playfully applies an “academic voice” whilst exploring strategies of storytelling. The video weaves in and out of the history of a disappearing blue bird whilst re-tracing its memories and emotions. The narrative excavates the many layers surrounding the birds’ need for departure and the strong national desire for its return. In doing so, concepts of migration and identity are connected to a larger political understanding of belonging.
Searching for the European Roller, 2017
Length: 16:25 minutes
Directed by: Hillside Projects (Emily Mennerdahl and Jonas Böttern)
Cinematography: Giorgos Chloros
Script: Hillside Projects
Edit and sound: Jonas Böttern and Giorgos Chloros
Music: Dolphins in Heaven
Archival material: Hillside Projects, Nordiska museet, Sean Frew, FoolBoy, Mitch Martinez and Grant Porter