HBO Documentary Films And Sandbox Films Start Production On Flaco The NYC Owl Doc, Directed By Penny Lane

HBO Documentary Films is currently in production with Sandbox Films and Spinning Nancy on a documentary about Flaco, a male Eurasian eagle-owl who gained worldwide attention after he was mysteriously set free in New York City. Penny Lane (Music Box: Listening to Kenny G) is directing the documentary with producer Gabriel Sedgwick.

On February 2, 2023, Flaco — a male Eurasion eagle-owl belonging to the largest species of owl in the world — was discovered missing from his Central Park Zoo cage in Manhattan. The documentary follows the story of what happened when Flaco, who had lived his entire life up until then in captivity, was free to explore New York City and beyond. He came to the zoo as a fledgling 13 years before he became a celebrity for his peculiar adventures in the wild.

The filmmakers have asked for the public’s help in contributing photos, videos and personal anecdotes about Flaco and any encounters with or sightings of him during his release.

“I’ve been deeply invested in Flaco from the instant my friend ran into him on the sidewalk on Fifth Avenue,” director Penny Lane said. “I lost many nights of sleep worrying about him and made deep connections with a group of dedicated birders who documented his extraordinary adventures. It is amongst the greatest honors of my life to work with Sandbox Films and HBO to share his remarkable story with the world.”

Lane directs with Gabriel Sedgwick producing. Flaco died in 2024 from a combination of illness due to rat poison and a crash into a city building.

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