How a Kite Flies Poster

How a Kite Flies 2017

6 min📅 2017-04-28

In *How a Kite Flies (2017)*, Sir Ian McKellen lends his iconic voice to a melancholic kite with a drinking problem, stuck in a grimy dive bar instead of soaring through the skies.

Director: Ben Gough

Cast

Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen
Mr. Kite (voice)
Marion Burge
Barmaid
Lily Lowe-Myers
Mum
Marat Khairoullin
Marat Khairoullin
Homeless Man
Marlow Gough
Sebastian
Austin Hardiman
Austin Hardiman
Barfly
Robyn Cooper
Hostess
Nick Halilaj
Doorman

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *How a Kite Flies* (2017) about?

This six-minute short follows a despondent kite voiced by Sir Ian McKellen, who'd rather drown his sorrows in a dimly lit strip club than face the world. Haunted by faded glories, he's pushed toward one final, sobering attempt to reclaim the skies he once loved.

Who directed *How a Kite Flies*?

Ben Gough helm this quirky, genre-blending short, infusing the project with dark humor and emotional depth.

Who stars in *How a Kite Flies*?

The film features Sir Ian McKellen in the lead role, alongside Marion Burge, Lily Lowe-Myers, and supporting performances by Marat Khairoullin and Marlow Gough.

Is *How a Kite Flies* (2017) worth watching?

While unrated on IMDb, this compact drama-comedy packs a punch with McKellen's voicework and Gough's evocative direction. Its themes of regret and fleeting redemption make it a compelling watch for fans of short films with bite. Expect a mix of laughs and poignant moments in just six minutes.

How long is *How a Kite Flies*?

The film runs for 6 minutes, delivering a tight, punchy narrative that leaves a lasting impression.

About How a Kite Flies (2017) — Sir Ian McKellen voices a drunk kite's desperate bid for the skies

In *How a Kite Flies (2017)*, Sir Ian McKellen lends his iconic voice to a melancholic kite with a drinking problem, stuck in a grimy dive bar instead of soaring through the skies. Directed by Ben Gough with a sharp eye for dark comedy and poignant drama, this six-minute short film blends humor with the bittersweet weight of missed opportunities. As memories of better days resurface, the kite's drunken haze lifts—just enough to inspire one final, desperate attempt at escape. With its moody atmosphere and minimalist storytelling, the film explores themes of regret, redemption, and the fleeting nature of second chances.

Marion Burge and Lily Lowe-Myers join McKellen in this unconventional tale, where a run-down strip joint becomes the unlikely stage for a metaphorical flight toward self-redemption. Gough's direction keeps the tone grounded yet whimsical, balancing raw emotion with absurdist charm. The result is a compact yet unforgettable meditation on what it means to spread your wings—even when the wind has long since died down.