Pigeon Kings

Pigeon Kings is a captivating documentary film directed by Milena Pastreich, which makes its premier in 2020. At the heart of the film are two intriguing personalities – Keith London, a master breeder of Birmingham Roller pigeons known widely as the 'godfather of the roller pigeon community’, and Darrian Hogg, a pigeon enthusiast and noted member of the avian fraternity. The film portrays the remarkable, sometimes unbelievable aspects of their lives, caught amidst the obsession and solace they find in pigeon keeping.

Set against the backdrop of the gritty environment of South Central Los Angeles, a place usually riddled with stories of crime, gangs, and hardship, Pigeon Kings tells an unusual, heartwarming tale. The documentary delves into the unique subculture of Roller Pigeon enthusiasts, a community largely constituted by folks dedicated to the breeding and training of this peculiar breed of pigeons.

London and Hogg, like most in this community, spend a significant part of their lives in raising and training of Birmingham Roller Pigeons. These pigeons, unlike the ones we commonly encounter, have an unusual skill – the ability to somersault in the air while flying, a maneuver known as the 'roll'. The film explores its protagonists' commitment to enriching this trait in their pigeons, even as they work on turning them into contest winners.

The documentary, through its lens, captures the infectious enthusiasm, fascination, joy, and even frustration, that Keith London and Darrian Hogg experience in their roller pigeon pursuits. London, a veteran in the field, is devoted to the art of breeding and training these birds and is widely respected in the pigeon community. Hogg, on the other side, is a younger enthusiast who looks up to London, attempts to learn the craft, and dreams of making it big in the community.

The movie takes its time to build an environment that urges viewers to witness the unusual aspects of these characters' lives, which are surprisingly full of suspense, camaraderie, and disappointment. The narrative is stimulating, and the characters are compelling. Be it, the nail-biting pigeon competitions that Keith and Darrian participate in, or their dealing with personal challenges.

These pigeon competitions, are in a sense, like a ballet in the sky. Breeders from the community gather to show off their birds that they've spent years nurturing with respect and admiration. The birds are judged based on the depth and frequency of their rolls. The film vividly captures the devotion and passion with which breeders watch their beloved pigeons roll mid-flight, cheer them on, and feel their anticipation as they eagerly await judgment.

Apart from the insider perspective on the competition and training of the pigeons, the film also offers a wonderful expose on the social fiber of the community that breeds them. It unveils the fraternity and camaraderie that enthusiasts share, their mentor-mentee relationships, their shared joys and hardships, and the solace they find in their birds amidst their challenging lives.

But beneath the surface, the film also subtly addresses a host of social issues. Through the backdrop of the roller pigeon culture; it addresses themes of poverty, drugs, crime, neglect yet articulates a compelling narrative about the resilience and passion of the individuals within the community.

The direction by Milena Pastreich highlights the uniqueness of this communal hobby while understanding the vulnerability and strength of her subjects. By immersing us in the world of high-stakes roller pigeon competitions, skillful bird trainers, and a community that supports and nurtures this passion, Pigeon Kings beautifully juxtaposes the hardness of South Central life against the vulnerability of these birds and their breeders who have so much at stake.

To sum it up, Pigeon Kings is a journey through time and space that captures a tiny segment of Los Angeles culture that remains wonderfully eccentric and obscure. It's an insightful, emotional and unstinting documentary that shines a light on the roller pigeon subculture in a manner that is both respectful and enlightening. So, whether you’re a pigeon lover, a hobbyist, or just someone who enjoys unique, compelling narratives, the film guarantees an enriching viewing experience.