Film Review: The Fantastic Flying Competition (De Fantastische Vliegwedstrijd, Fantastischer Flugwet
by Marinell Haegelin

THE FANTASTIC FLYING COMPETITION (DE FANTASTISCHE VLIEGWEDSTRIJD, FANTASTISCHER FLUGWETTKAMPF)
John Croezen, Netherlands 2021

Who would or could ever have thought that every year birds, from your average garden-variety chickens to sleepy owls and flamboyant flamingos, participate in a flying competition? Naturally not with their natural attributes (bearing in mind chickens can’t fly) but with finely, funnily and farcically constructed flying contraptions. The Master of Ceremonies introduces the different teams with a certain pretentious articulated flourish. He then follows the competitors every move, reveling in their antics while pluckily proclaiming each team’s progress.

The line drawings are colorful and sprightly, and well suited to the fully fluctuating announcer’s accented voice. Although his commentary does not match what we, having a bird’s-eye view, see happening time and again and to one contestant in particular advantage. Could it be possible that the reportage is slanted? Or, that it’s as carefully crafted as is this 5:46 minute animation? Nevertheless, the point is made: cheating is not rewarded. Appropriately, the jury saw fit to reaward our finely feathered friend John Croezen with the Friese Honorable mention award.