The birds in my neighbourhood decided to start filming the remake of Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle today.

They told me that they are very excited because they could be eligible for the Ciruela China Award given by the Feathered Academy of Motion Picture Arts.

 

 

So they asked for my help and I had a lot of fun, really, but the art world is always so... complex.

 

 

This sparrow (Passer domesticus), who would initially play the protagonist, Mowgli, received a serious warning because he has gained a lot of weight and can't move properly through the vines.

 

 

The director, a Red-legged thrush (Turdus plumbeus rubripes), promptly decided to change the script for him. And he would take on the role of Baloo.

Immediately the problem began. It was even necessary to call a psychologist to help the poor sparrow, who blamed his wife for the delicious treats she made him "eat" and bring home from the cat's bowl.

 

 

You can feel resentment in her gaze.

 

 

He, it was obvious, couldn't hold her gaze and I don't know how they got into a marital argument in which we all found out about his partner's weakness for alcohol. But that's beside the point.

 

 

-- What did you say? Mrs Turdus Plumbeus intervened, alarmed.

Things were getting out of control because she was going to be Bagheera and this production couldn't afford delays, especially not because of drunkenness.

-- Mamma mia, mon amour, wow, for goodness' sake, pull yourself together... I shouted.

I got angry. And as they continued with their heated "tejemaneje", I decided it was best to simply watch the clouds.

 

 

No, it definitely wasn't the best. The devil was up there, cheering on the neighbourhood disaster. And the film production was already hanging by a thread.

I looked the other way to see if the sky offered any encouraging sign. I never give up on the first try.

 

 

A map!

I interrupted them and mentioned the idea of traveling to a different continent. A brief trip to other latitudes could make a difference, and some might even have their postponed honeymoon. That would change things, as long as we avoided drinking or hallucinogenic substances.

I already said that art is complicated, right? The star of the feathered remake was about to appear, the thing is that we didn't know until I was wandering among the paper flowers.

 

 

The studio's makeup artists and hairdressers had done a great job here. There was no doubt that the director would not object. We already had the Prota.

But wait... wait, wait a minute. They did a much better job here!

 

 

This emerald hummingbird (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) also came to apply for lead actor. It glowed even in the shadows, so it seems to be a winner.

And another one arrived. By the way, does this look remind you of anyone?

 

 

As I said, art is complex. They will call me these days for filming. They are casting again and the locations have not been decided, but considering what the clouds suggested... Who knows?