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Deep Dive: National Bird (2016)

Film Lens

National Bird
National Bird is a documentary directed by Sonia Kennebeck that focuses on the experiences of three whistleblowers discussing the use of drones in warfare. The film presents their testimonies about the implications of drone strikes and the ethical concerns surrounding the U.S. drone program. It features individuals like Daniel Hale and Jesselyn Radack, who provide chilling accounts of their roles in operating drones and the impact of these operations on civilians. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 14, 2016, and was later released in the U.S. on November 11, 2016. It received positive critical reception, holding a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 22 reviews. Critics noted the film's ability to bring alarming truths about drone warfare to the forefront, emphasizing the chilling testimonies of veterans who operated drones from afar.

Why Watch

  • Meet whistleblower Daniel Hale and hear his story.
  • Find out about the ethical issues of drone warfare.
  • See the impact of drone strikes on civilians.

Did You Know

National Bird premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 14, 2016.
The film has a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 22 reviews.
It was released in the U.S. on November 11, 2016, by FilmRise.
The film screened at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 16, 2016.

Perfect For

Drone warfareWhistleblower storiesMilitary ethics