‘Addiction is not only caused by weak will’: how a talking pigeon got Czechia to face up to its alcohol problem
Director Pepa Lubojacki’s heartbreaking film chronicles the lives of her brother as he struggles with drink and homelessness – and her own shame in the face of societal prejudice
TL;DR
- Director Pepa Lubojacki's film 'If Pigeons Turned to Gold' tackles homelessness and addiction, inspired by societal attitudes towards pigeons and homeless people.
- The documentary chronicles the lives of four family members, focusing on the director's brother David, his struggles with alcohol addiction, and homelessness.
- Lubojacki explores intergenerational trauma, including domestic abuse and the deaths of family members, as contributing factors to addiction.
- The film utilizes unconventional narrative elements like a talking pigeon narrator, AI-voiced animated photos, and diary entries.
- It highlights societal prejudice and systemic injustice faced by homeless individuals, including denial of medical care.
- The director aims to show her brother's beauty and challenge the perception that addiction is merely a matter of weak will.
- The film questions whether one can grieve someone who is still alive, given the reduced life expectancy of the homeless.
- 'If Pigeons Turned to Gold' has received critical acclaim and international recognition, including an award at the Berlin film festival and selection for the Oscars.