Daughter of a Lost Bird

"…Real, thoughtful, kind and provocative…"

"Captures an intense, personal search filled with kindness and love."

"This poignant story provides living proof that history is not only the past, but the present too."

"A courageous endeavor to understand oneself while allowing the camera to follow each trial and tribulation. The film is an exploration of sorrow and joy, and all of those confusing emotions in between."

“A portrait of two courageous women -- mother and daughter - - who are willing to allow us into their remarkable journey to find each other and their heritage.”

“There’s a real sense of collaboration between Kendra and Swaney, and accountability on Swaney’s part to tell this story truthfully, which is refreshing to see in nonfiction filmmaking."

"When Kendra Mylnechuk cold calls her birth mother...she is drawn, almost reluctantly, into an exploration of this history and of her own complex feelings of guilt, belonging, and loss. For the intimacy and depth of her portrayal of Kendra’s journey, the Emerging Filmmaker Award goes to Brooke Pepion Swaney."

"An example of how intergenerational trauma continues."

"Emotionally resonate."

"An unsettling insight into the history of cultural genocide and it has caused the ‘lost generation’ and their children."

"An impactful and intimate journey in discovering one’s identity...an important viewing."

"An extraordinary documentary."