Arts Review

Review: Backtrack Boys BIFF

 

The Australian documentary film Backtrack Boys, directed by Catherine Scott, has a raw honesty to it that is unforgettable. The documentary features the story of three boys named Alfie, Rusty and Zach, and was filmed over two years in the setting of Armidale, NSW. The feature follows their respective journeys, as well as their involvement in BackTrack, a youth program run by Bernie Shakeshaft. As Shakeshaft explains in the film, the first step is to keep them alive, the second is to keep them out of jail and the third is to inspire hopes and dreams.


The Paws Up program, where each dog with their BackTrack owner compete in high-jumping competitions across the state, is also vital to the boys and their ultimate growth and connection to themselves as well as the other boys in the program. This feature is important in that it opens up one’s mind about what is possible when it comes to troubled youth in this day and age. These boys are the ones who are deemed to be un-teachable, the ones who have been forgotten, the ones who have been given up on, but not if Shakeshaft can help it.

 

Never failing to entertain there are moments of connection between the boys and special ways to connect with their canine friends. By putting their hands just above, not directly on the dogs, Shakeshaft is showing them trust and teaching them the right energy required before handling these creatures. The psychology behind what Bernie is teaching is extremely valuable, the positive effect on these boys is clear from the get-go. Whilst Bernie's methods may be viewed as "unorthodox", it is his Backtrack program that ultimately gives these troubled boys, with a difficult past behind them, the chance to look forward and embrace the future.

 

I came across this film as part of the Brisbane International Film Festival and whilst it was filled with warm moments, it was also quite heavy and emotional at various points throughout. There were also plenty of adorable moments of the boys cuddling, and sharing their sleeping bags, with their dogs. It was a joy to watch, however, it also had the ability to wipe the smile right off everyone's faces in an instant.

 

The documentary touched on a range of themes, issues and in particular the injustice system. Backtrack Boys also examines the dangerous cycle that occurs when these young boys choose to react negatively to a particular situation. Due to the mixed feelings of fear and anger that these young men carry with them, one wrong move can easily lead to severe consequences that can further impact their future pathways. When one of the younger characters, Rusty, faces court for his actions, the emotional impact is indescribable. Bernie has given so much of his heart and soul to these boys and the thought that no amount of evidence of improvement will be enough, hovers over his head.

 

The progress made by these boys, by being part of the program, and the way that these boys treat each other and themselves, including the respect they have for Bernie, is a spectacular thing to witness. The program opens up a community like no other, and one that accepts those that have been rejected, those that have alcoholic or drug addict family members and boys who have nowhere else to go. It is clear that a lot of heart went into the making of this documentary, and I wish it all the best on its journey through cinemas in Australia. Backtrack Boys has the power to change each mind and capture each heart of every audience member, will you be next?

 

The next screenings in QLD will feature in Event Cinemas in Chermside and Pacific Fair each day from the 27th to the 29th of October. It will also screen in Birch Carroll and Coyle in Ipswich. Each screening in QLD starts from 4:30pm.

 

Learn more: https://www.backtrackboys.com/

 

Review: Joanna Letic

 

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