Isolated during the COVID lockdowns, Xavier films the mesmerizing flights of starlings over his hometown in Spain. Their movements awaken memories of his HIV diagnosis and a deep longing for connection. Through voice messages with his lover in Brazil, the defiant spirit of early AIDS activism in New York, and the ancestral force of Afro-Brazilian Candomblé rituals, the film unfolds as a layered meditation on grief, survival, and collective resilience. 21 min

A FILM BY Xavier Marrades

PRODUCERS: Jerome Thelia, Mark Stafford, Xavier Marrades | EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Ira Sachs, Zain Sheikh, Kelly Armendariz | IN ASSOCIATION WITH: Mustardfield Productions | VOICES: Alef Bernardes, Xavier Marrades | ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE: Jim Hubbard, James Wentzy, Aline Allegra, Anthony Arena | SCRIPT, SOUND, CINEMATOGRAPHY and EDITING: Xavier Marrades | SOUND MIX: Ryan Billia | COLORIST: Jérôme Thélia | MUSICAL SUPERVISOR: Ashton Campbell | CONSULTING PRODUCER: Michael Solsky | CREDITS: Miriam Velázquez | PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Felipe Brito | HOT AIR BALOON: Jaume Creus | FALCONER: Lluís Culleré | ADDITIONAL CAMERA: Marta Cornellana, Miquel Camacho, Marc Castellà, Josep Maria Gual | ADDITIONAL SOUND: Alef Bernardes

Festivals & Awards

IDFA — International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam | Netherlands, 2025 — Luminous Section (World Premiere)
DOC NYC — Documentary Film Festival | United States, 2025