Having originally started life as a young adult novel, Bright Burning Stars from writer A. K. Small has now been adapted into a feature film. That film is Birds of Paradise and will arrive on Amazon on Friday 24th September. Adapted and directed by Sarah Adina Smith, Birds of Paradise stars Kristine Froseth and Diana Silvers as a pair of rivals at a strict Parisian ballet academy. Upon arriving at the cutthroat and internationally-renowned institution, Kate’s (Silvers) confidence and emotional fortitude are tested by fellow dancer Marine (Forseth), who is still reeling from her brother’s suicide. Whilst confrontational at first, the relationship evolves into an emotionally-charged, competitive union beset by lies, sexual awakening and, ultimately, emotional breakthrough as they risk everything to win the school’s ultimate prize: a contract to join the Opéra national de Paris.
Birds of Paradise is an enchanting and haunting study of the female psyche, the power of ambition, and the need to embrace oneself. It has been beautifully brought to life by Sarah Adina Smith. Smith has been steadily working within the industry for a number of years, her debut feature Midnight Swim captured the attention of all that watched it. This was followed up by a startling entry into horror anthology movie, Holidays, and the wonderfully weird Buster’s Mal Heart. Smith has also worked across television, having directed some of Amazon’s Hanna. No two entries in Smith’s repertoire are the same, and in Birds of Paradise Smith once again reinvents her work and has created a truly affecting film that not only packs an emotional punch, but also always looks amazing.
Ahead of Birds of Paradise arriving on Amazon, we caught up with Smith to discuss her latest project in a little more detail.
Birds of Paradise will be available on Amazon Prime Video Friday 24th September.
