Press Release
Young indigenous actor and the Producer of Satellite Boy will present this acclaimed feature to students as part of the Cine-Snaps, CinèfestOZ Program for Schools.
“Accomplished Producer David Jowsey and the remarkable indigenous actor Joseph Pedley will introduce Satellite Boy, this impressive example of Australian film to students from a range of schools throughout the region,” said Cine-Snaps Education Officer, Caroline Beamond.
Satellite Boy is a heartfelt, moving and uplifting story about a young boy’s journey to save his home and ultimately himself. Satellite Boy follows Pete, a 12 year old Aboriginal boy who lives with his elderly grandfather, Old Jagamarra (David Gulpilil). Home is the abandoned outdoor cinema in the outback town of Wyndham. When it is threatened with demolition, Pete sees his world in jeopardy and sets off for the city, joined by his friend Kalmain (Joseph Pedley) to save his home. But the boys get lost in the Australian outback. Starving and thirsty, Pete has to remember some of the old bush skills his grandfather taught him to survive.
“This is a fantastic film to bring to these students as there are many cultural themes and it explores the value of family and friendship.
“Set in the spectacular outback Kimberley region of Western Australia, it is in many ways, a distant and unfamiliar world to students living in the South West..
“David Jowsey (Dreamland, Toomelah and Mystery Road) is an accomplished filmmaker and will be able to share with students just what is involved in developing a film from concept to reality.
“Joseph Pedley who delivered a fantastic performance as Kalmain, young Pete’s friend in Satellite Boy, will give a great insight to students about what it is like to be involved in a feature film, from a kid’s perspective.
“The Cine-Snaps Q and A sessions after the film are always a favourite, as this is where it gets really interesting for not only the students who gain new insights, but also our Filmmakers and Stars, who get a big kick out of it as well.”
“There is no doubt that students will gain an enormous insight into the world of film and filmmaking through this popular CinefestOZ program, something well beyond the standard cinema experience.”
Over twenty South West schools and 1,000 primary and secondary students from Bunbury to Augusta are anticipated to participate in the Cine-Snaps Schools Program over the Festival week (21st-25th August 2013); with CinéfestOZ choosing age-appropriate Australian films and providing study guides for in-class preparation.
Through the strong support of Schools Program Partner, Rio Tinto and Associate Partner, ATCO Gas Australia; the Cine-Snaps Schools Program has enjoyed rapid expansion and increased awareness in 2013.
There will also be a general screening of Satellite Boy at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre on Sunday 25th August at 10:30am.