Set in the backdrop of the migrant crisis in Greece, a unique film by the noteworthy Hungarian director, György Pálfi, redefines the meaning of a movie star by featuring a real-life chicken as the protagonist. The film, called ‘Hen’, involves the substantial role of eight chickens, each of them getting to play the leading part. This intriguing and bittersweet tale rooted in a small coastal town unfolds interpretive views on life’s profound meanings.
The unconventional concept for this film was formulated by György Pálfi in 2019, during a time when he was grappling with personal challenges. Due to political interferences, he found himself in a position where making films in his home country, Hungary, had become an uphill battle. This set the stage for him to escape from his current circumstances and delve deeper into his passion for filmmaking.
Despite the challenging times, Pálfi’s dedication towards his craft remained unwavering. He yearned to get involved in a project that could be managed within a confined budget and that touched upon a universal theme. Reflecting upon his childhood connections with chickens, he discovered an opportunity to explore this unique relationship further in his next project.
‘Hen’ is predominantly viewed from a bird’s eye angle, a creative decision that poses its own set of practical difficulties during filming. With the whole perspective hinged on the chicken’s point of view, capturing the right shots required meticulous planning and execution.
However, Pálfi found an ally in a friend who happened to be an experienced animal trainer with specific expertise in handling chickens. Moreover, a rigorous selection process was in place to decide upon the breed of the chicken that would best suit the narrative of the movie. The choice fell on the Lechorn, a prevalent breed, reflecting their interest in showcasing the life of an industrial hen.
The involved chickens started their training months in advance, based on the scripted scenes. Ensuring their readiness for filming necessitated procuring them much before the production of the film was officially approved. This demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment towards creating a meaningful cinematic experience.
A significant hurdle emerged as they were not legally permitted to transport the chickens out of the European Union. Hence, instead of the briefest route via Serbia, they had to take a detour to Greece through Italy, going aboard a ferry. This extended transit formed an important part of the journey, adding to the indomitable spirit of the film crew.
Moreover, roosters, being part of the ensemble, restricted shooting hours due to their involvement being within the daylight hours. The slightest onset of tension on the movie set made the hens sensitive and obstructed the functioning. A smooth flow of energy, conversely, resulted in a seamless performance by the feathered actors.
This distinctive experience engendered a sense of teamwork. The coherence and camaraderie among the crew members, transcending personal differences for achieving a shared objective, created impactful work dynamics. The unity witnessed was a testament to the power of working towards a common goal.
In its essence, however, ‘Hen’ delves into the intricate political layers surrounding the family who co-exists with the hen. It emphasizes the director’s vision of observing how vast sociopolitical shifts have shaped their existence. The life of the chicken, however, is a metaphorical representation of deeper insights.
The film transcends beyond the mundane realities. It addresses personal accountability and ponders upon the detachment of individual existence from external experiences. A thought experiment is poised during the narrative progression encouraging the viewers to venture into observing the world from an alternative lens.
The crux of the film invites the audience to consider an intriguing query: what if our comprehension of existence is equivalent to the hen’s understanding of the human world? Do we, in the grand scheme of things, even perceive more than what a chicken in a confined box is capable of seeing?
Promising an intellectual exploration unlike any, ‘Hen’ serves as a silent mediator urging us to step out of our conventional perspectives and prompting us to ask ourselves vital introspective questions.
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