The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is the true story of a Bohemian St. Francis and his remarkable relationship with a flock of wild green-and-red parrots. Mark Bittner, a homeless street musician in San Francisco, falls in with the flock as he searches for meaning in his life, unaware that the wild parrots will bring him everything he needs. The film celebrates urban wildness, Bohemian and avian, and links the parrots' antics to human behavior. A surprise ending ties the themes together and completes Mark's search for meaning. (Note to reviewers: Please don't give away the ending!)
Although he is no scientist and this is not a "nature film," Mark becomes something of an expert himself as he consults local birders, and as he feeds, names, studies, and protects the cherry-headed conures--escaped pets who have begun to breed in the wilds of the city.
Parrot "stars" include Connor, a lonely blue-crowned conure, ostracized by the cherry heads; Picasso and Sophie, an affectionate pair who love to cuddle; and Pushkin, a single father who raises three babies on his own.
The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is a feature-length film of 83 minutes. Shot in 16 mm color, it was blown up to 35 mm for its 2005 theatrical release, and is now out on DVD.

Go to the film's own web site
Go to the ITVS "Wild Parrots" web site
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