Project Summary

T H E   B I R D W A T C H E R
(Short Film, 2024)

Director: Ryan Mackfall. Producer: Kingsley Marshall. Writer: Lachlan Marks.
Cast: Craig Russell (Queen Cleopatra, The 95th), Mary Woodvine (Rose of Nevada, Enys Men, Bait), Rimca Karmakar (Pendulum, Nation Down), Kevin Horsham (The Northman).

Synopsis
Two investigators approach a birdwatching hut deep in the forest following the reported disappearance of a grieving man. As they piece together this man’s final moments, the evidence they gather becomes increasingly unnerving and hard to explain. Sea birds flock to the hut far inland, scrimshaw and whaling paraphernalia sit next to ancient Celtic artefacts on the shelves. Situated in Cornwall and drawing upon the county’s natural environment, seafaring tradition, Celtic history, and Cornish language – The Birdwatcher takes its themes from a time when the world seemed much larger, mysterious, and frightening, drawing parallels with the fears and xenophobia of the contemporary moment. 

Movie poster for 'The Birdwatcher', directed by Ryan Mackfall. The poster features abstract dark art of a bird, with the tagline 'Become a part of the silence...' at the top. The cast includes Craig Russell, Mary Woodvine, Rimca Karmakar. Additional credits mention a Myskatonic production with music by Neil Halstead, and it was shown at Frightfest in Glasgow 2025.
A wooden table with a small religious figurine of Jesus and a vintage stop-watch with black straps.
Close-up of a person's face with glasses, looking out a window.
A woman in outdoor clothing standing under trees with green leaves, looking upward, holding a small object.
Person looking through binoculars outdoors, peering from a concealed hide or blind.
Black and white badge with leaves, text reads 'Official Selection FRIGHTFEST The Dark Heart of Cinema Glasgow 2025'
Certificate for the Vortex Film Festival 2025, named The Birdwatcher, awarded to Ryan MacKall, signed by Shawn Drywa and Shawn Quirk.
Logo for the Kavenheart International Film Festival 2025 featuring two black eagles with outstretched wings.
Black and white graphic with a horror-themed illustration of a blood-splattered plague doctor mask and the words "Portland Horror" in a spooky, stylized font.
Black crest with laurel branches arching around a central area, no text or symbols visible.
A black background with a laurel wreath design in dark gray, forming a semi-circle.
A computer monitor displaying stock market charts and graphs
Black and white image of a laurel wreath with the words 'Best in Show' in the center.
Colorful text and shapes with the words "VISION 2025" and the year "2025" prominently displayed.
Red circular badge with white text that reads "Centerframe Selects Longlisted."
A promotional poster for the Boston Underground Film Festival 2025 featuring a stylized skull drawing and event details.
Black ornate frame with laurel leaves surrounding a blank space for text.
Green coffin with skull and crossbones, labeled 'Official Selection Dead Nor Here'
Black and white illustration of a person climbing a staircase, with a thought bubble showing a climbing figure.
Black silhouette of a laurel wreath on a transparent background.
Black background with a thin, circular, thorny wreath outline in white.
Black background with dark leaf and branch design, and the phrase 'Happy Birthday' written in white cursive lettering.
A circular black emblem with two laurel branches forming a wreath around the top and sides, with a blank central area.
Black circular laurel wreath with a blank space in the middle for presenting awards or achievements.
Black background with white laurel wreath and text that says "First Place" in the center.
Black award emblem with laurel wreath border and the words "Best Online Course" in the center.
Black award ribbon with a laurel wreath design
Black laurel wreath design with the text "Winner" in the center.

“The most important quality in a birdwatcher is a willingness to stand quietly and see what comes. Our everyday lives obscure a truth about existence - that at the heart of everything there lies a stillness and a light.”

Lynn Thomson - Birding with Yeats: A Mother's Memoir

Official Selection

  • GlowFlare Horror Film Festival, Nominee, May 2025

  • CenterFrame Selects, Longlisted, May 2025

  • Celtic Media Festival, Nominee, June 2025

  • West Coast US Premiere: Portland Horror Film Festival, June 2025

  • The Independent Horror Society Indie Film Showcase, London, June 2025

  • The Independent Horror Society Indie Film Showcase, York, July 2025

  • Cambridge Short Film Festival, Winner, Cambridge, July 2025

  • Out of the Can Film Festival, July 2025

  • The Independent Horror Society Indie Film Showcase, Brighton, 7 August 2025

  • The Independent Horror Society Indie Film Showcase, Manchester, 14 August 2025

  • Switzerland Premiere, Golden Swan Zurich International Film Festival, Zurich, 21 August 2025

  • Jane Austen International Film Festival, Nominee, Bath, 4-5 September 2025

  • The Independent Horror Society Indie Film Showcase, Birmingham, 11 September 2025

  • H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival, Rhode Island, USA, August 2025

  • H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival, Portland, USA, 19-21 September 2025

  • Grindfest Film Festival, Bournemouth, UK, 19 September 2025

  • Northern Horror Film Festival, York, UK, 26-28 September 2025

  • Hell Tor Film Festival, Exeter, UK, 26-28 September 2025

  • Dead of Night Festival, Southport, UK, 11-12 October 2025

  • Fortean Film Festival, UK, October 2025

  • LA International Horror Film Festival, USA 30 October 2025

  • Starling Film Festival, New Brighton, UK, 3-9 November 2025

  • Philip K. Dick Film Festival, London, UK, 7 November 2025

  • Abertoir International Horror Film Festival, Aberystwyth, Wales, UK, 12-16 November 2025

  • Ireland premiere - Underground Cinema Film Awards, Dublin, Ireland, November 2025

  • The Independent Horror Society Indie Film Showcase, Norwich, UK, 27 November 2025

  • British Shorts Berlin, Berlin, 22-28 January 2026

  • Two Short Nights Film Festival, Exeter, 5-6 March 2026

  • The Philip K Dick Film Festival, New York, 13-14 March 2026

  • Director’s Notes, Online Premiere, June 2026