Birdwatcher follows the story of a withdrawn man’s birdwatching routine as it is disrupted by a lost dog, unearthing memories and forging an unlikely bond that challenges his isolation.
This short film was my directorial debut. Having written multiple short films since 2020 which have been directed by others, I decided to bring my script ‘Birdwatcher’ to life.
The conception of Birdwatcher began on a hike I went on with some friends in Potter Heigham, Norfolk. On the hike I saw an old Bird Hide, which I photographed, and later the story developed.
From concept to concept, zombie apocalypse or alien invasions? In every iteration the Bird Hide was a sanctuary, where the protagonist was safe. In its final iteration, the Bird Hide became both a sanctuary, and the representation of the protagonists sheltered outlook.
Whilst Birdwatcher premieres in film festivals, stills and BTS content can be found at @birdwatcherfilm on instagram and on the official IMDb page.
As of November 2025, Birdwatcher has received recognition by The Bay International Film Festival, where it received a Quarter-Finalist spot, London Film Club where it received Finalist, and has been officially selected for the reputable London Lift Off Festival!
