'And the Birds Rained Down' is a tribute to need to live independently, on one's terms

#AndtheBirdsRainedDown; #LouiseArchambault

Toronto, Sep 9 (Canadian-Media): Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2019 film, "And the Birds Rained Down" directed by Louise Archambault depicts three aging hermits in the Quebec countryside miles away from civilization with their defiant need to live independently endangered by nature, old age, and infirmity.

Photo Credit: TIFF

​The theme of the story is that Tom (Rémy Girard), Charlie (Gilbert Sicotte), and Ted (Kenneth Welsh) had fled society years ago and for their livelihood sell pot to the closest locals with help from local hotelier Stephen (Éric Robidoux).

But their lifestyle is increasingly endangered by nature, infirmity, and age. Ted collapses from a heart attack. Photographer/ researcher Ange-Aimee (Eve Landry) starts looking for survivors of a blaze that happened decades ago, most notably Ted, whose actions during the fire have assumed heroic stature.

The film is a tribute to the to those who were courageous enough to pursue their needs to live independently and on one's own terms, and respect for people and their choices, regardless of age.

One of the most beautiful musical moments of the year has been captured by this film when Girard's ailing musician Tom delivers a soulful and heartbreaking rendition of one of Tom Waits' best tunes in a nearby club. 

Born in Montreal, Louise Archambault holds a Master of Fine Arts in film from Concordia University and has directed the Festival selections Familia (05), which won Best Canadian First Feature Film, and Gabrielle (13). And the Birds Rained Down (19) is her latest film.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)