When an early morning phone call reveals her older brother is in trouble once again, director Shakked Auerbach decides she can no longer ignore the unspoken issues shaping her home. The result is an intimate look at how one word — autism — can shape an entire family.
‘Strange Birds’ will be available exclusively for members of our reader support group, The Times of Israel Community, to stream July 30 – August 6.
Strange Birds
2024 | 65 Minutes | Directed by Shakked Auerbach | July 30 – August 6, 2026
A phone call wakes me up early in the morning. My older brother got into trouble. Again. After another entanglement, I realize that I can no longer ignore the problems that follow him around, and which seem to be taking over my life. I use the camera to get answers from my family and a wall of silence melts away. Through a mix of amusing, intense, and eye-opening encounters, I begin to understand how relations in my family, especially with my mother, were influenced by an unspoken expression – autism. Strange Birds is an intimate film that reveals a deeply moving story about autistic parenting and the children who grow up in its shadow.
Watch the trailer:
‘Strange Birds’ is available exclusively for members of The Times of Israel Community as a part of our ongoing collaboration with DocuNation.
About DocuNation for the ToI Community
DocuNation provides outstanding Israeli documentary films for you to stream online from the comfort of your home. The films, plus follow-up live discussions with the filmmakers themselves, are available for a week at a time — exclusively for members of our reader support group, The Times of Israel Community.
All of the funds earmarked for this project go directly to Israeli documentary filmmakers at this difficult time when they’re encountering global cultural boycotts.
DocuNation allows Times of Israel Community members to enjoy two award-winning Israeli documentary films with English subtitles each month.
Already a ToI Community member? Click below to access the DocuNation films:
All of the funds earmarked for this project go directly to Israeli documentary filmmakers at this difficult time when they’re encountering global cultural boycotts.
For DocuNation, we’re collaborating with renowned documentary filmmaker Yonatan Nir, who hosts the discussions with the filmmakers.
How it works
Each film — with English subtitles — will be available to watch for seven days. On that Sunday, you can join our live English webinar with the filmmaker. We will send out a reminder for each event.
‘Strange Birds’ will be available to stream July 30 – August 6. The live Q&A hosted by Yonatan Nir will take place on August 2 at 8 PM (Israel time) /1 PM (Eastern Time) with director Shakked Auerbach.
Upcoming Films
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the series cost money?
Nope, the series is included in your ToI Community membership – there is no additional cost. If you still need to sign up for the ToI Community, our reader support group, click here. - Where can I see other upcoming DocuNation films?
You can check out upcoming films here. - How long is each film?
Each film is between 50 and 90 minutes. Each live discussion with filmmakers will be around an hour. - If I sign up for the ToI Community can I access previous films and discussions?
You can only watch the films during the 7-day period scheduled for each. We do, however, record every webinar discussion with the filmmakers, which you can watch at your convenience, even if you sign up after streaming for a film has ended. - Where can I send any questions for DocuNation?
We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Just email us.