In Rising Wings, director Harun Kazaz blends tradition, culture, and environmental conservation into a compelling narrative. Through the lens of waterfowl hunting, Kazaz highlights the deep bonds between humans and nature, showcasing how this timeless practice goes beyond sport to foster camaraderie and respect for the environment. The film weaves personal stories with themes of wildlife preservation, offering a unique perspective on our connection to the natural world. Rising Wings inspires a diverse audience, sparking vital conversations about conservation, culture, and our shared human experience.
"Rising Wings" opens a window into the deep connection between waterfowl and American history, weaving a story that spans generations. From the 1860s, when families depended on waterfowl for survival, to the emergence of exclusive hunting clubs, the documentary captures how these birds have shaped human lives and culture. Through the perspective of a reflective retired General and a passionate decoy collector, the film explores the artistry of decoy carving alongside the environmental consequences of overhunting. With breathtaking visuals of wetlands and intricately crafted decoys, Rising Wings delivers more than a history lesson—it’s a call to preserve the fragile habitats that sustain both wildlife and the traditions that define us.
Hunting waterfowl goes beyond survival and sport—it forges lifelong camaraderie and timeless traditions.
This Documentary offers a truly inspiring look at how ordinary hunters have transformed into true artists, crafting intricate decoys that capture the essence of their passion and respect for nature. This evolution, beautifully showcased in the documentary, reminds us of the power of creativity and dedication in all fields. Just as these hunters turned their craft into an art form, independent filmmakers like Kazaz use their resourcefulness and vision to create powerful stories that resonate with audiences. Rising Wings serves as a testament to the potential for greatness within all of us, urging viewers to embrace their own creative journeys and uplift their voices in the world of independent cinema.
In his storytelling, Harun Kazaz forges a path untethered by convention. He is not here to follow the mold, but to shatter it. "Rising Wings" is a guiding light for those seeking fresh perspectives, narratives that not only provoke thought but inspire meaningful change.
Harun Kazaz’s ambitious vision for Rising Wings faces a significant challenge: crafting a visually immersive narrative within the constraints of limited resources. While his dedication to storytelling is undeniable, the reliance on a picture-heavy and interview-driven format reveals the hurdles of producing expansive visual sequences that could fully capture the grandeur of waterfowl migrations or the intricate beauty of their habitats. This approach, while effective in conveying information and personal reflections, risks narrowing the cinematic scope of a story rooted in such vast natural and cultural landscapes. The lack of sweeping, immersive visuals might limit the film’s ability to fully engage viewers’ senses and evoke the emotional depth that Kazaz aims to achieve. Despite these constraints, his determination to bridge cultural divides and inspire conservation shines through, even if the execution occasionally underscores the realities of independent filmmaking.
Gliding along nature's great aerial highway, the wild fowl's migration paints the sky with timeless grace.
About the Director
Harun Kazaz is an emerging filmmaker known for crafting authentic, impactful stories that resonate across cultures. A member of The Gotham in New York and the International Documentary Association in Los Angeles, he brings a fresh perspective to documentary filmmaking. His debut, Rising Wings, explores themes of heritage and conservation with raw emotional depth and universal appeal. Harun’s approach breaks conventional molds, delivering narratives that challenge, inspire, and unite. He is deeply committed to preserving cultural stories and amplifying diverse voices through his work.
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