Pigeons steal the show at Venice as Burstyn, Waititi discuss 'Place to Be'

At the Venice Film Festival, the creative team behind the upcoming film 'Place to Be' shared unusual insights into their production process, revealing that pigeons played a pivotal role in bringing a key character to life.

Director Kornél Mundruczó explained that his fascination with the birds led to their inclusion in the film. He described them as 'touching' and detailed the intricate work done by his crew in Australia. According to Mundruczó, the character known as 'Intruder' was created using a team of 15 individual birds, each trained to perform a specific role. He noted that the birds were so effective that actress Ellen Burstyn formed a deep connection with some of them during filming.

Burstyn, a veteran actress, expressed her admiration for the animals, calling them 'one of the miracles of life on earth.' She remarked that while their exact abilities remain a mystery, she is deeply impressed by them.

Actor Taika Waititi also shared his long-standing affection for pigeons, though he added a humorous, if messy, caveat. He claimed that pigeons defecate frequently—'one every minute'—which he stated as a scientific fact.

The film's use of live animals highlights the unique challenges and creative solutions involved in modern filmmaking, as the team prepares to present 'Place to Be' to audiences.