Yolngu Boy

Despite the project's obvious potential, its commercial viability was an unknown factor. In a period spanning forty years only two Australian films featuring an Aboriginal theme had come close to enjoying some degree of success, 'Jedda' (1955) and 'Walkabout' (1971), but neither had featured a full Aboriginal cast nor had been totally shot in the Northern Territory. Indeed, 'Walkabout' (1971) was directed by Nicolas Roeg and starred two English children alongside an Aboriginal actor, David Gulpilil. Finally the ACTF ( Australian Children's Television Foundation), in a great show of faith, cash-flowed the project's full development, never certain that outside finance would ultimately be secured. "The brief of the ACTF," noted ACTF director Dr. Patricia Edgar, "is to develop quality, innovative Australian programs that in some way break new ground. 'Yolngu Boy' does so in just about every way."

Referenced in Lucky Miles: At the Movies Interview with Michael James Rowland (2007)