SATELLITE BOY (M) could well be the STORM BOY of its time. Again a sublime sense of place in a beautiful part of country, this time the Kimberley, around Wyndham and the Bungle Bungles, and again with an eco message, SATELLITE BOY also features one of the stars of STORM BOY, David Gulpilil. Here he plays grandfather to Pete, a 12 year old who takes off with a mate when their home is jeopardised by a mining company. When the boys become lost, Pete utilises bush skills taught him by his grandfather to survive.

Written and directed by Catriona McKenzie, SATELLITE BOY marks her first foray into features after a stunning career in television, where her credits include REDFERN NOW, THE CIRCUIT and THE ALICE. It’s a totally assured film that contrasts the traditional with the modern, nature and technology, and cultural and spiritual identity.

The fact that home is an old drive-in is amazingly symbolic – the screen that projected white fella dream time is now run down and obsolete- its surrounded by a big sky that’s a natural planetarium at night and rock paintings that are ancient and exciting. As one character says of them–better than Tolkein.

Making his acting debut as Pete, Cameron Wallaby is a natural, as is his mate Kalmain, played by Joseph Pedley. Both boys shine in their likeable, laid back larrikin characters.

Gorgeously photographed by Geoffrey Simpson who shot SHINE and THE SHIRALEE, SATELLITE BOY is a gem of a picture that merits a strong showing at the local box-office.