Birds of Passage (Aves de Paso)

A documentary in progress by Rachel Lears

Two young songwriters confront cultural displacement, personal demons, and the legacies of economic crisis as they struggle to forge creative voices in Montevideo, Uruguay.

This one-hour documentary is a lyrical journey through the everyday lives of two young songwriters in Montevideo, Uruguay. Ernesto and Yisela have moved to this small South American capital from towns on the borders of neighboring giants Brazil and Argentina, and both hope to record their first albums of original songs. While Yisela struggles to reconcile the emerging possibilities for a career in Uruguay with her plans to emigrate to Argentina, Ernesto must defend his creative passion against emotional and economic obstacles. As they confront the particular challenges of making music in a small country in the Global South in the 21st century, the search for a creative voice that reflects cultural identity is an ongoing struggle where the personal meets the political.

The fiscal sponsor of Birds of Passage is Documentary Educational Resources. To make a tax-deductible donation, click here:

or send a check made out to DER to:

Honeycomb Films,
584 Franklin Ave #1,
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(please note Birds of Passage in the memo line).

For more information, or to view trailer and hear music, please visit www.birdsofpassagefilm.com