On The Wing trailer from Real Earl Productions on Vimeo.

I spent a year of my life researching, shooting, editing, directing and producing the feature-length documentary On The Wing. The culmination was one of the best nights of my life: a sold out house for the film’s premiere at Cinema 21 in Portland.

On The Wing tells the story of a stunning natural phenomenon that has become part of the spirit of Portland. Each fall, a massive flock of tiny Vaux Swifts roost in the chimney of a Northwest Portland elementary school and put on an amazing nightly aerial display to the delight of hundreds and thousands of observers. Over the past 15 years, the event has garnered a cult following and developed into a can’t miss event. It is a shining example of people choosing to coexist with nature rather than smoking it out.

On The Wing captures the community, energy and excitement of the entire Swifts phenomenon. The film has been embraced by film and bird enthusiasts throughout the country. Following its sold out Portland premiere, On The Wing ran for another three weeks at Cinema 21. The film premiered on Oregon Public Broadcasting in January 2009 and has since played throughout the United States on PBS affiliates. In addition, DVDs have been purchased from as far away as Wasilla, AK and Perth, Australia.