Movies
Satellite Boy
Synopsis
In a remote community where life is cheap, and people struggle to survive, one small Aboriginal boy shows us how courage can conquer even the greatest odds.
Satellite Boy is the story of Pete, a 12-year-old Aboriginal boy who lives with his elderly grandfather, Old Jagamarra. Home is the abandoned outdoor cinema in the outback town of Wyndham.
When his grandfather's home is threatened with demolition by a mining company, Pete sees his world in jeopardy and sets off for the city. He is joined by his friend Kalmain, who has his own reasons for leaving town.
Together the boys walk through epic and stunning Kimberley country and when they get lost in the bush, Pete and Kalmain find true friendship. A friendship that transcends the mundane world.
The boys just make it to town by the deadline to demolish the old outdoor cinema. They find the owner of the cinema and convince him to change his plans—it may seem a small thing, but it changes and inspires the world for their families and their community.
Satellite Boy shows a world torn between old and new, tradition and progress, nature and technology, while avoiding political grandstanding. Celebrating the importance of family, true friendship and cultural and spiritual identity, Satellite Boy is captivating and affecting.
Details
- Cast
- David Gulpilil - Old Jagamarra
Cameron Wallaby - Pete
Joseph Pedley - Kalmain
Rohanna Angus - Lynelle
Dean Daley-Jones - Dave
Dolores Roberts - Release dates
- 10 September 2012 - Premiere: Toronto International Film Festival 2012 - Discovery Section
European Premiere: Berlin International Film Festival 2013 - In Competition Generation Section
20 June 2013 - Australia - Rating
- PG - Parental guidance
- Distributor
- Hopscotch Entertainment One
- Soundtrack
- David Bridie
- Notes
Catriona Mackenzie directed the award-winning and cutting edge Australian drama series Remote Area Nurse (RAN) and The Circuit.
Catriona's short films include Box, Grange, Road, Redfern Beach and The Third Note.
Shot on location in the Kimberley. Satellite Boy is the first feature film that received permission to film in the magical surroundings of the Bungle Bungle Range. It is Catriona's feature debut.
Facebook site: facebook.com/SatelliteBoy
Cameron Wallaby acts for the first time in this film.
Watch now or find a DVD/BlueRay copy
- Try also
- eBay,
- National Library of Australia,
- SBS on Demand
Browse a list of Aboriginal film suppliers and distributors
Other films by Catriona McKenzie
Go exploring!
Use the Aboriginal film timeline to discover films you never heard of.
Take the quiz: Are you an Aboriginal movie buff?