David Gulpilil & Catriona McKenzie To Appear At Cinema Nova

AFI winner David Gulpilil joins Writer/Director Catriona McKenzie during National Reconciliation Week to discuss their heartfelt new film Satellite Boy.

The film tells the story of Pete (Cameron Wallaby), a 12 year old Aboriginal boy who lives with his elderly grandfather, Old Jagamarra (Gulpilil) in an abandoned outdoor cinema in the outback town of Wyndham. When a new development threatens their way of life, Pete embarks on a quest to save their home that takes him through the expansive beauty of Kimberley Country.

The film was the first feature film given permission to be shot in the stunning spiritual country around Wyndham and the Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley region WA. Director Catriona McKenzie says “one of the reasons I wanted to film in the Kimberley is that the country is strong. It hums with stories. Satellite Boy is based on the understanding that one’s connection to country is an everyday, intimate relationship that refreshes you. It keeps you strong.”

David Gulpilil returns from his traditional Aboriginal lifestyle in North Eastern Arnhem Land with an intuitive performance. Since being chosen for the lead role in British director Nicholas Roeg’s 1969 feature film Walkabout, David has led a long and prominent career which was recognised in 1987 with the Australia Medal for services to the Arts. His film credits include Mad Dog Morgan; Storm Boy; Crocodile Dundee; Until the End of the World; Rabbit Proof Fence; The Proposition; and Ten Canoes.  In 2002, David won an AFI Award for his role in Rolf de Heer’s The Tracker.

Born in 1953 in Arnhem Land, David grew up in a tribal lifestyle environment called Marwuyu in an area north east of the world famous Kakadu National Park. He learned the traditional ways of a warrior in the Mandalpingu Tribe of north east Arnhem Land where his ancestors lived for thousands of years.

David’s unique upbringing and cultural heritage is central to each of his roles. Catriona says “directing David Gulpilil, one of Australia’s living legends, was an extraordinary privilege. He works on an extremely intuitive level and has a very quick understanding of what’s happening not only with his own character, but all the characters in the scene.”

Satellite Boy is Catriona McKenzie’s first feature film after a successful career directing television drama and short films.  She has an outstanding list of credits, including the Emmy nominated Dance Academy; the AFI Award winning My Place for ABC TV; Satisfaction for Showtime; and the multi-award winning documentary Mr Patterns for ABC TV.

Meet The Filmmaker: Satellite Boy Q&A
Thursday May 30, 6.45pm at Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon Street, Carlton
Tickets on sale now from the box office or www.cinemanova.com.au

Satellite Boy, rated PG, opens June 20.