Metamorphosis: a transcendent animated journey inspired by the poem “The Conference of the Birds”

Between dream and reality, the birds cross the 7 Valleys of quest, love, understanding, detachment, unity, astonishment, and death. Most of them get lost along the way, except for the 4 of them who will live the experience of as many real human characters: Monika (Albania), Abdurrahman (Turkey), Jihad (Syria) and Susan (Israel). 

Ultimately, the secret of life will be revealed to only 6 birds: the hoopoe (Upupa) who guides them, the four who have experienced love in their human characters, and an unlikely sixth bird.

The characters are different in age, gender, culture, religion, territory of origin, mythologies, geographical landscapes, and historical and psychological backgrounds. Despite this, each follows two or more religions simultaneously based on their specific orthodoxy. This goes beyond mere tolerance, as they truly inhabit more than one religion at a time.

Through animated cinema, their spiritual commonality amidst their significant cultural differences can be metaphorically showcased, rooted in the ancient tradition of the religion of Love. 

Talking about the “Religion of Love” today could sound paradoxical, a trait destined to remain unperceived and not documentable without a specific dramaturgical elaboration work. The game between reality and fiction, therefore, on the one hand, enhances the perception of meanings as “non-random”, on the other it allows you to play with the belief devices of the spectator, summoned to take your own position, to “see” beyond one’s perception habits and the prejudices of conformist common sense” – Michele Fasano, director

The film Metamorphosis employs a variety of techniques for specific expressive reasons. The vibrant cut-out animation, inspired by The Conference of the Birds by Farid al-Din ‘Attar, narrates the journey of the group of birds, while pictorial animations act as the prologue and epilogue. Rotoscoping animation portrays the human characters’ struggle to bring spirituality to a dark world. The film also incorporates colour archival materials to depict coexistence and fantasy animations to enable a more authentic critical reception. Additionally, photographic materials highlight the grim consequences of historical violence, referencing events such as the Armenian Genocide and the Palestinian question, providing background for the characters’ stories.

Metamorphosis has been widely acclaimed, having been presented at an impressive 64 festivals worldwide and winning 72 awards, including the prestigious BEST ANIMATION prize at the New York Independent Cinema Awards last week. The film is currently nominated in 18 more festivals between now and January 2025. The next event on the list is the Madrid Independent Film Festival.

The 81st Venice Film Festival‘s ISOLA EDIPO program will also feature a screening of Metamorphosis on September 5th at 4 pm, followed by a masterclass on animated feature films for children and young adults at 6 pm. To reserve your place and for more information, please write to laguna.edipore@gmail.com.