Bird of Paradise (2019)
A quietly devastating French short film about one girl's final morning before an irreversible, life-altering departure.
Bird of Paradise - Movie Information
- Original Title: Nos lions
- Release Year: 2019
- Directed by: Mareike Engelhardt
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 22m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: Arabic, French
- Production Companies: Films Grand Huit
- Production Countries: France
Bird of Paradise - Plot
Nadia, a 16 year-old-French girl, wakes up in her house for the last time. Today she will leave her family, her city and her life to pursue a dream. The day becomes a race against time that will forever change her destiny.
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Bird of Paradise - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mareike Engelhardt
Main Cast
- Hana Mekacher
- Matthieu Lucci
- Amel Charif
- Coralie Boumellala
- Elias Raymont
Writers
- Mareike Engelhardt
Bird of Paradise - FAQs
What is Bird of Paradise about?
Bird of Paradise follows Nadia, a 16-year-old French girl, on the last morning she spends at home before leaving her family and city behind. The day turns into a race against time as she chases a dream that will permanently alter the course of her life.
Where is Nadia going in Bird of Paradise?
The film deliberately keeps Nadia's destination shrouded in mystery, letting the tension and emotion of her farewell speak louder than any explicit destination. The ambiguity is central to the film's impact, inviting viewers to reflect on the weight of irreversible choices made in youth.
Where can you watch Bird of Paradise online?
You can find current streaming and viewing options for Bird of Paradise on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country, so checking JustWatch is the easiest way to find where it's currently accessible.
Who directed Bird of Paradise (2019)?
Bird of Paradise was directed by Mareike Engelhardt, who also wrote the screenplay. Engelhardt is a French-German filmmaker known for her sensitive, character-driven storytelling. She later directed the feature film Fascination (2023), which explored similar themes of young women navigating dangerous choices.
Who are the main actors in Bird of Paradise?
The film stars Hana Mekacher in the central role of Nadia, alongside Matthieu Lucci, Amel Charif, Coralie Boumellala, and Elias Raymont. Mekacher carries much of the film's emotional weight, anchoring the story with a quietly powerful and naturalistic performance.
How long is Bird of Paradise (2019)?
Bird of Paradise runs just 22 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief runtime, it packs a remarkable emotional punch, using every minute to build tension and intimacy around Nadia's final hours at home before her life-changing departure.
Is Bird of Paradise based on a true story?
Bird of Paradise is not based on a specific true story, but it draws on deeply resonant real-world themes — young women leaving home, the pull of radical ideals, and the irreversible nature of certain choices. Director Mareike Engelhardt grounds the narrative in emotional authenticity rather than documented events.
What films are similar to Bird of Paradise?
If Bird of Paradise resonated with you, films like Bastard Out of Carolina (1996), What Maisie Knew (2013), and Haute Couture (2021) explore similar themes of young women navigating difficult transitions and formative choices. Kisses (2008) and Origin (2023) also share that intimate, emotionally charged character focus.
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