First-time actor, 12 year old Cameron Wallaby and Crocodile Dundee star David Gulpilil unite with former television, now feature director and screenwriter, Catriona McKenzie in her directorial debut Satellite Boy.
This heart-warming story focuses on a young boy’s adventure to save his home and himself in a community divided between tradition and the future.
It is a vivid reminder of the magnificent country we live in, with a spectacular backdrop to the story of the very distinct Australian outback setting taking centre-stage with its barren yet beautiful landscape. The Kimberly becomes the real star of the show, thanks to legendary director of photography Geoffrey Simpson’s breathtaking cinematography.
All of this surrounds twelve-year-old Aboriginal boy, Pete (Wallaby) who lives in an abandoned outdoor cinema with his grandfather, Old Jagamarra (Gulpilil) near the far-northern town of Wyndham (shot in the Bungle Bungles).
Despite Jagamarra (Gulpilil) being a highly respected elder in the community who practices traditional bush living, Pete wants nothing to do with the old ways. He prefers technological progress to the traditional culture and wisdom of his grandfather’s advice.
Their comfortable life is torn apart when the cinema is threatened with demolition by a mining company so Pete and his mischief-making friend Kalmain (Joseph Pedley) decide to go to the city in the hopes of pleading their case, to change the company’s mind. Pete also decides to find his estranged mother Lynelle (Rohanna Angus) who is studying hospitality, in the hopes of them opening a restaurant together.
As they travel through the arid Australian landscape, Pete and Kalmain get lost and Pete now realises that some of his grandfather’s bush skills that he learnt growing up, just might save them! The two young boys are great as the confused young souls trying to find their way between cultural identities in modern Australia. This is a credit to director McKenzie to have achieved such outstanding natural performances.
Catriona McKenzie has to be credited for many things in this movie on top of her choice and training of the younger cast members. Additionally, it does not look at the negative, more controversial issues often highlighted when focusing on indigenous culture. What we see is a refreshing, more positive celebration of the family links of first Australians.
Reviewed by Kirstey Whicker
Rating out of 5: 3.5
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