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A test of endurance.In June 2008, eight young Aboriginal people aged betweeen 13 and 17 embarked on a 200 kilometre, 10 day horse ride from Narrabri to Coonabarabran in north west NSW. Selected as outstanding acheivers by their respective communities in Narrabri, Pilliga, Baradine and Coonabarabran, none were experienced riders... |
Synopsis
This is a documentary which was filmed on location during the ten day journey, and includes interviews with the riders, organisers and community elders.
Credits
Camera, editor, co-writer: Michael Bates
Producer, co-writer: Simon Luckhurst
Executive producer: NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC)
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Budget
The project was commissioned by the NSW DECC Culture and Heritage Division North West Aboriginal Heritage Operations Branch with support of the local communities.
Notes on the Film
This project was an enormous privelge to be involved with. We were able to meet some amazing people and see the fascinating region that is the Pilliga Scrub. Seeing the changes in the eight young riders and being able to document this was also a positive experience, not to mention getting to know the organisers of the event and several community representatives and elders. Having this exposure to Aboriginal culture in a very real, day-to-day, natural environment was something that Michael and I will remember positively for a long time. Oh yeah, working with Michael was pretty good as well. Not only is he talented (check out his film The Projectionist) but he's also rather a nice chap who knows a good Morcambe and Wise joke opportunity when he sees it. In my experience, these sorts of people are too rare.
Pictures
All photos taken by Michael Bates.
Campfire |
Pilliga Skyline |
Shrub |
Grooming |
Windmill |
Moon |
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Telegraph Pole |
Morning Horse |
Caution Horses Ahead |
Campfire (Anthony Mundine extreme left) |
No Diving |
Campfire |
Pilliga Morning |
Train Tracks |
Cedric McGrady and Donnie Hobbs |
Simon Luckhurst, Charlie Cowlin-Luckhurst and Arthur Murray |
