Vogelfrei

VOGELFREI can be translated four different ways – the beginning of bird-hunting season, outside of the law, free from birds, and free as a bird. These four meanings of the one phrase are explained by four different directors in this stunning and original film from Latvia. The film is broken up into four periods in one man's life – childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Each director is given the opportunity to tell the tale of certain experiences that this one man, Teodors, goes through to make him the person he is. These four loosely connected segments form an interwoven narrative without feeling broken. Each director is given the opportunity to define the essence of Teodors without incorporating the other directors' viewpoints. Though there is a unified design behind the project, Teodors is whoever each director wishes him to be. This creates a poignant reflection on how every human can be broken into the seemingly minor events that combine to make a life. (In Latvian with English subtitles) – W.F.G.