Scheme Birds, released in 2019, is a documentary film that tells the story of a young girl named Gemma, living in Scotland. The film is directed by Ellen Fiske and Ellinor Hallin and is a visually stunning and poignant portrayal of a place and the people who inhabit it. It won the Best Documentary Feature award at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2019 and was praised for its raw and honest portrayal of a community that is often overlooked.
The film starts with Gemma, a teenage girl living in Motherwell, a post-industrial town outside Glasgow. She is part of a community that is struggling with the effects of poverty, drugs, and violence. Gemma has a difficult life, but she is determined to break free from the cycle of violence and addiction that has engulfed her family and community. She dreams of traveling the world and becoming an adult, but reality hits her hard. Her mother is in prison, and her father is a heroin addict.
The documentary follows Gemma as she navigates her way through life, facing challenges that most teenagers don't have to deal with. She is tough and streetwise, but also vulnerable and emotional. We see her trying to find her place in the world, and more importantly, her place in the community.
The film is set against the backdrop of Motherwell, a town that was once thriving with industry but now faces high levels of poverty and unemployment. The directors use beautifully shot footage of the town's buildings and the surrounding landscape to illustrate the harshness of life in the town. There are recurring shots of abandoned factories and derelict buildings, which serve as a stark reminder of the town's past and present. This imagery is contrasted with the beauty of the surrounding countryside, highlighting the potential for a better life outside the town.
The film also explores the theme of violence, particularly male violence. The directors let the men of the community tell their stories and show the consequences of their actions. We see how violence perpetuates itself, how it becomes part of the fabric of the community.
However, the film is not just about highlighting the problems of the town. It is also a tribute to the resilience and humor of the people who live there. We see how they come together to support each other, to celebrate and to mourn. There is a sense of community spirit that prevails throughout the film, despite the challenges they face.
Joseph, Scott provides the original score for the film. His music adds to the film's haunting beauty, creating a sense of tension and melancholy. The score adds to the film's emotional impact, creating a powerful and unforgettable experience for the viewer.
Overall, Scheme Birds is a visually stunning and moving documentary, offering a unique glimpse into a community that is often overlooked in mainstream media. The filmmakers have done an incredible job of capturing the spirit and resilience of the people of Motherwell. This is a film that will stay with you long after it's over, and one that everyone should see.
Scheme Birds is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 89.
