A Bird Called Memory

Leonardo Martinelli’s A Bird Called Memory (Pássaro Memória) tells the story of Lua (a trans woman, played by Ayla Gabriela) as she roams the streets of Rio de Janeiro in search of a bird named Memory that has forgotten its way home. While the plot may seem simple, the film is mainly about the feelings it creates—loneliness, longing, and the quiet danger that seems to follow Lua wherever she goes.

Rio itself becomes a key part of the film, not just a setting but almost a character in its own right. It’s fascinating to see this well-known city portrayed in such an unfamiliar, unsettling way, making it feel somehow "lost," just like the bird and Lua.

Martinelli, a native Carioca, is one of Brazil’s rising cinematic stars. His films have been shown at hundreds of festivals around the world, including Locarno, BFI London, and San Sebastian. In 2021, he won the Golden Leopard for Best International Short at Locarno with Neon Phantom (Fantasma Neon.)

His work often blends a poetic visual style with modern stories, and in A Bird Called Memory, the result is a 15-minute film whose effect continues to resonate after the credits have rolled. From the beginning, it’s clear that Martinelli knows how to use images to tell a story. His work feels influenced by the dreamy style of Wong Kar-wai and the strong emotions of Pedro Almodóvar, but he brings his own fresh approach. The film feels both classical and new as it blends elements of the past with modern touches.

One of the most important aspects of A Bird Called Memory is the music. The soundtrack, created by Carol Maia, José Miguel Brasil, and Martinelli himself, is more than just background – it helps to shape the film’s mood. The music, combining free jazz and electronic beats, adds a sense of uncertainty and tension that fits perfectly with the story. There are moments that echo of eminal film scores, like Miles Davis' for Louis Malle's Lift to the Scaffold, but the sound here has a uniquely Brazilian twist. The way the music works with the visuals feels effortless, adding depth to every scene.

The use of colour is another standout element. Soft, muted tones underline Lua’s loneliness, while stronger hues suggest desire or hope. Every shot feels carefully considered, making the film feel "larger" than its short run time would seem to indicate. The editing, by Lobo Mauro, thus also plays a significant role. The cuts are simultaneously smooth and unexpected, giving the film a dreamlike quality that counterpoints its theme of memory. The way the film moves from scene to scene feels a bit like being lost in time, much like Lua’s search for the bird.

At the heart of the film is Lua, a trans woman navigating a world that feels both familiar and alien. At one point, Lua explains that she loves musicals because, unlike reality, in musicals you can move from one scene to another with just a simple gesture. This reflects how the film itself flows, with smooth transitions that feel effortless yet emotionally charged. Lua’s search for the lost bird mirrors her own quest for belonging in a city that seems to have forgotten her.

Ayla Gabriela’s portrayal of Lua adds emotional depth, capturing both her quiet resilience and vulnerability without overstating it. Martinelli’s choice to center the film on a trans woman adds further meaning, exploring the balance between Lua’s inner world and the forces that shape her external reality. In the end, A Bird Called Memory is not only about longing; it’s a reflection on identity, acceptance, and the search for a place to call home, both physically and emotionally.