The title is borrowed from a 1947 study by psychologist B.F. Skinner, who researched pigeons for the purpose of developing behaviorist theories. Skinner found that under certain conditions, pigeons may be persuaded to “believe” in the effectiveness of futile actions and start developing superstitious behavioral traits.
These behaviors are probably motivated by the pigeons’ need to survive, and reading them in the context of the human species charges the work with sociopolitical aspects, in the complex background of Jerusalem.
The pigeon’s gentle flight will eventually take it home, no matter how far. It crosses the sky over Jerusalem in a symbolic flyover. Superstition in the pigeon projects deceptive calm, with the repetitiveness and consistence of the creature’s movements creating a kind of meditative move by the observer, at the same time building up the tension and doubt as to the nestling’s ability to find its way home.

Thanks to Yaron Melech, Ory Rozner, Haim Shperling.
Supported by the fund for video art , CCA Tel Aviv with the support of the Israeli film council.

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