Two students from Washington University in St. Louis have created a thought-provoking short film titled “A Bird in the Field,” which will screen at the St. Louis International Film Festival on November 15, 2023. The film, produced during their time at the prestigious Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU), explores the complexities of personal and professional challenges faced by an ornithologist whose marriage deteriorates following the loss of her research funding.
Marielle Morrow, a senior studying film and media studies, took the helm as director, while her classmate Cole Bernstein, who is also pursuing studies in English literature and film, served as the editor. The duo collaborated on writing the screenplay, drawing on their experiences and education at FAMU to bring their vision to life.
Morrow described the intense process of working with analog film, emphasizing the limited resources available. “It was definitely high pressure because, in analog film, you have a really finite resource,” she explained. “You have to be very methodical as a director, and you have to think about what you’re going to say to the actors to get the best performance out of them.”
Bernstein echoed this sentiment, stating, “It was intense but also exciting. If you want to make a film and to learn about production, there is no better place to be than FAMU.” Their time at this renowned institution provided them with valuable hands-on experience in various aspects of filmmaking, from shooting techniques to set design.
The film’s narrative focuses on the struggles of its protagonist, who grapples with both her career and her personal relationships, a theme that resonates with many viewers. The emotional weight of the story, combined with the technical challenges of shooting on film, has made the project a significant accomplishment for Morrow and Bernstein.
The screening at the St. Louis International Film Festival will take place at Chase Park Plaza Cinema at noon. This event not only highlights their hard work but also showcases the talents of emerging filmmakers from Washington University.
In a video produced and edited by Bernstein, audiences can gain insight into the filmmaking process and the experiences of the students during their time in Prague. The behind-the-scenes look reveals the dedication and creativity that went into making “A Bird in the Field.”
As the festival approaches, anticipation builds for the screening, marking a notable milestone in the students’ academic and artistic journeys. Their dedication to storytelling and film production promises to leave a lasting impression on the audience at the festival.
