Satellite Boy's Australian debut at festival

Western Australian-made family drama Satellite Boy will premiere at this year's Perth International Arts Festival as part of the Lotterywest Festival Films.

  • WA-made film to have Australian premiere at Perth International Arts Festival
  • Film made with assistance of State Government, through ScreenWest

  • Official selection at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival

Western Australian-made family drama Satellite Boy will premiere at this year's Perth International Arts Festival as part of the Lotterywest Festival Films.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day announced the feature - which was filmed in the Kimberley and made with the assistance of the State Government, through ScreenWest - will have its Australian premiere on December 10 in Perth.

"Satellite Boy recently impressed audiences at its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival and premiered in the Middle East at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival.  The film is returning to home soil for its Australian debut," Mr Day said.

"The Perth Festival continues to grow each year as a world-class event and the picturesque outdoor surrounds of the Somerville Auditorium couldn't be more perfect to showcase Satellite Boy's stunning Kimberley landscapes and vistas.

"This lovely setting is perfect to celebrate a local feature film as part of this thriving cultural arts event."

Satellite Boy tells the story of Pete, a 10-year-old boy 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.

Satellite Boy was written and directed by Catriona McKenzie (The Circuit) and produced by David Jowsey (Mad Bastards).

The cast includes legendary indigenous actor, David Gulpilil (Australia, Rabbit Proof Fence), and newcomers, Cameron Wallaby and Joseph Pedley.

      Fact File

  • National release of Satellite Boy to be in 2013, by Hopscotch Films/Entertainment One

  • ScreenWest previously won the Premier's Award for its Indigenous Screen Strategy

  • More information at: http://www.screenwest.com.au   

Minister's office - 6552 6200