In this big-hearted, visually dazzling documentary, a Los Angeles teacher takes time off to nurture injured hummingbirds and finds herself on an uplifting journey.

Since 2008, UCLA English teacher Terry Masear has dedicated herself to caring for and rehabilitating wounded hummingbirds – impossibly delicate and fragile creatures brought to her by residents all over Los Angeles. Inspired by Masear’s 2015 book Fastest Things on Wings, Australian filmmaker Sally Aitken decided in 2022 to set up her cameras in Masear’s homespun hospital, watching with fascination as the Hollywood bird whisperer nursed her charges back to life.

Having previously surveyed colourful creatures in Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles and Playing With Sharks: The Valerie Taylor Story, Aitken now gives audiences an indelibly wondrous, bird’s-eye view of Masear’s diminutive patients. There are magical macro shots that imbue the hummingbirds with rich, distinctive personality, while elegant drone footage evokes the vastness and glamour of LA’s natural beauty. Throughout it all, the film charts Masear’s personal growth and transformation as she marvels at the resilience of nature – and at its precarious coexistence with humanity.

“Breathtaking … The thrill of watching extraordinary footage of these shimmering, iridescent, physics-defying birds never grows old.” – Screen Daily

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Director Sally Aitken is a guest of the festival and will be in attendance at the Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August sessions.