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A new HBO documentary is seeking stories about NYC's famous owl, Flaco
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Mar 4, 2025
Modified Mar 4, 2025
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By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Mar 4, 2025
Modified Mar 4, 2025
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New York’s most famous bird is getting the documentary treatment.
HBO has announced a film about Flaco the Eurasian eagle owl, which comes a little more than a year after he died by flying into a building, and two years since his escape from the Central Park Zoo.
The documentary will attempt to be Flaco's “definitive” story, the film’s director Penny Lane said in a phone interview on Tuesday.
“We’re really trying to carefully capture the whole year, and then also investigate what happened before he was [in New York], learn about his family tree, learn about zoo ethics, learn about Eurasian Eagle Owls, so it’s not just the story of Flaco, but the story of all the different questions and avenues that his story opened up,” Lane said.
Lane is looking for New Yorkers to share their stories, photos and videos of Flaco.
“Flaco's journey captured the hearts of so many New Yorkers,” reads a website set up for people to share stories or photos about their experiences with the famous owl.
Creators of any media used in the movie will receive an onscreen credit and licensing fee, according to the website.
The film is set to be complete "probably about a year from now" said Lane.
This story has been updated with additional information about the film's timeline.
Tagged
new york city
movies
Hannah Frishberg
Hannah Frishberg covers New York City arts and culture. Got a tip? Email Hannah at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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