Indigenous drama Satellite Boy will have its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival next month.
Satellite Boy, written and directed by Catriona McKenzie, will be screened in the festival's Discovery program, which presents the works of up-and-coming directors. The film follows 10-year-old Pete, who lives in the outback with his grandfather in an old abandoned outdoor cinema. When his grandfather’s home is threatened with demolition, Pete sets off for the city with his best friend to try and save his home.
“After a long period of script development, it was truly inspiring to be on location in the epic Kimberley landscape and shooting the film," producer David Jowsey said in a statement. "It was a great joy working with Catriona McKenzie and I’m really proud of what she has achieved with Satellite Boy."
The film stars Cameron Wallaby as Pete, Joseph Pedley as his best friend Kalmain, and David Gulpilil as the grandfather.
“I love my country Australia and that is me," Gulpilil said in a statement. "I make movie and I walk in the land on my ground and in my soil.”
Other Australian screen content which will be shown at the festival are: Julian Assange telemovie Underground; feature drama Dead Europe; feel-good local hit The Sapphires, WWI-drama Lore and documentary Storm Surfers 3D.
Contact this reporter at bswift@www.if.com.au or on Twitter at @bcswift.