The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill (2003)

Director:

Judy Irving

Release Date:

22 September 2005 (Australia)

Genre:

Documentary

Tagline:

The true story of a bohemian St Francis and his remarkable relationship with a flock of wild red and green parrots

Plot:

A homeless musician finds meaning to his life when he starts a friendship with dozens of parrots.

Plot Keywords:

Parrot | Musician | Bird | Hawk | Death Of Pet

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Mark Bittner

...

Himself

Runtime:

83 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:G | UK:U | USA:G

Filming Locations:

San Francisco, California, USA

Company:

Pelican Media

Soundtrack:

Zen Waterfall

Remarkable movie about a warm-hearted man

For a number of reasons, there are flocks of parrots in several cities around the USA; these are not native birds, but imports from the tropics. Sometimes people complain about their raucous, noisy behavior, but usually onlookers are charmed by the colorful, intelligent birds.

Even San Francisco has a few of these flocks, one centering on Telegraph Hill. Mark Bittner, a jobless but not irresponsible man living for several years on the Hill became curious about the parrots--mostly cherry-topped conures--and eventually befriended them, spending much of his time feeding the chipper, clever birds.

This movie is really about the man, not the birds, and shows how and why he became so attached to them. Bittner is an intelligent, thoughtful man, and sometimes engages in persuasive self-examination. He talks about particular birds, describing their distinctive traits, and the director uses footage that depicts these traits, winning and otherwise.

It's an oddly fascinating movie, respectful and warm toward the birds and their caretaker--and gradually turns into something even more extraordinary: a love letter to an unusual man. This is very highly recommended.