Shorts Spotlight: The Last Observers

The Last Observers
dir. Maja Mikkelsen
25 min.

Karin Persson and Lennart Karlsson have spent nearly forty years observing the patterns of migratory birds in Falsterbo, the most southern part of Sweden. They live and work in a lighthouse; tracking birds, observing clouds and reporting their findings to local weather stations. With the rapid development of technology, their unique service is no longer needed. Now it’s time for this husband-and-wife team to say goodbye to a career that brought them a lousy salary but a happy life.

The Last Observers is a short documentary made by Karin and Lennart’s daughter, filmmaker Maka Mikkelsen. This is a magnificent film. It captures so beautifully the tenderness this couple has for each other and the joy that their work and their time in nature brings them. It also serves as a gentle reminder that climate change is a looming danger and that technology can never replace the human heart and mind.

If you enjoyed films like Fire of Love (2022) or Songs of Earth (2023), make sure to check out The Last Observers.