Local Residents Featured in New Documentary About Flaco the Owl

A new documentary, *Wild Inside*, directed by Penny Lane, is set to make its theatrical debut this Friday at the IFC Center. The film explores the life of Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl who became a citywide sensation following his 2023 escape from the Central Park Zoo.

Among those featured in the documentary are two East Village residents who spent time tracking and photographing the owl during his brief, high-profile residency in the neighborhood. Barber Juan Rosado and photographer Javier Torres recount their experiences encountering the bird, which spent eight days roaming the East Village and Lower East Side in November 2023.

Rosado, who lives in the area, recalled the excitement of the owl’s arrival, noting that he once narrowly missed seeing the bird land near his window. He shared with filmmakers his attempts to track the owl’s movements, including a moment where he successfully predicted the bird’s path toward Grand Street. Torres, who joined other photographers in the search, described the experience of capturing the owl on camera as a "magical" encounter that felt like witnessing a "magic show for the first time."

Flaco’s journey through the city included stops at the Kenkeleba House Garden and near the Hillman Co-ops, where neighbors reported hearing his calls as he navigated the urban environment. The owl eventually died in February 2024 following a collision with a building on the Upper West Side.

While the film captures these local memories, it remains unclear if *Wild Inside* will see a wider release or become available on streaming platforms in the near future. The premiere at the IFC Center on Sixth Avenue and Third Street marks the first opportunity for local audiences to view the project.