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The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

Play trailer 2:26 Poster for The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill G 2005 1h 23m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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95% Tomatometer 103 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
A homeless musician's life is transformed after he discovers a flock of wild South American parrots living in San Francisco. How they got there is a mystery, but Mark Bittner forms a bond with the exotic birds through his music and his patient, attentive care. Over time, he comes to appreciate their individual identities and makes a case for humans to reevaluate their relationship to animals. When he is forced to leave them, he despairs over the birds' fate.
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The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

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Critics Consensus

Interesting and appealing as both a study of man and nature.

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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media 12/29/2010
4/5
Fall in love with these brave and beautiful birds. Go to Full Review Steven D. Greydanus Decent Films 02/10/2006
B
Irving captures some memorable images… but generally relies on the birds' natural photogenic charm as well as the human dimensions of the drama to sustain the 83-minute film. Go to Full Review Matt McNally BBC.com 12/06/2005
3/5
In the spirit of all good documentaries, Wild Parrots transcends its ostensive subject. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy 08/04/2025
3/4
Here’s an ingratiating documentary that should hit the sweet spot for anyone with an appreciation for our fine feathered friends. Go to Full Review Ben Shehadi Film Threat 02/16/2024
7/10
Although hardly the world’s best film, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is cute, clever, and heartfelt Go to Full Review Lael Loewenstein FilmWeek (LAist) 12/07/2023
A touching, revealing, uplifting and lovely film. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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01/15/2024 Great movie about the wild parrots of San Francisco. See more TheBlue50 @TheBlue50 11/14/2023 This movie about funny parrots is great! As a bird lover, I'm loving it! :D See more Cheryl F @RT92941228 11/11/2023 Saw this movie when it wa originally released. It was captivating and I have never forgotten it. See more Georgan G @RT98616417 05/24/2023 A beautiful visual film and many thought-provoking concepts brought to bear. The birds are clearly individuals that have relationships with one another & some humans. Whereas the humans... See more dave a @Bikerguy 06/17/2019 Gruesomely self indulgent in a typically Californian banal manner. See more 04/18/2018 Doesn't live up to its reputation. The music is cheesy as hell, totally rad if you're making an 80s corporate workplace safety video. See more Read all reviews
The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

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Cast & Crew

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Judy Irving

Director

Judy Irving

Producer

Judy Irving

Cinematographer

Judy Irving

Film Editor

Chris Michie

Original Music

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The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

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The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill (2004) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis A homeless musician's life is transformed after he discovers a flock of wild South American parrots living in San Francisco. How they got there is a mystery, but Mark Bittner forms a bond with the exotic birds through his music and his patient, attentive care. Over time, he comes to appreciate their individual identities and makes a case for humans to reevaluate their relationship to animals. When he is forced to leave them, he despairs over the birds' fate.
Director
Judy Irving
Producer
Judy Irving
Distributor
Shadow Distribution
Production Co
Pelican Media
Rating
G
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 11, 2005, Limited
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Nov 17, 2023
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 17, 2016
Runtime
1h 23m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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