The Armidale community will get their first look at the local documentary sweeping the nation as Backtrack Boys premiers at the Belgrave Twin Cinema on Tuesday night.
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The film follows the journey of three boys involved in the Backtrack Youth Works Program over a two and a half year period.
It was directed by acclaimed documentary maker Cathy Scott, and has already picked up the Audience Award for best documentary when it premiered at the Sydney Film Festival earlier in the year.
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Just like it did at Sydney, the local premier sold out in a flash, although Backrack founder Bernie Shakeshaft and the producers are planning on releasing the film to national cinema’s, and possibly a television station later in the year.
It has already been booked and causing a stir at the upcoming Melbourne Film Festival, and will also be screening at major film festivals in Canberra, Adelaide, Toowoomba and Bunbury.
“Because of the response we got in Sydney, and the audience award the exposure we are getting has only just really started – and it has been great,” Mr Shakeshaft said.
“We always wanted to take it to regional communities and start these conversations at a local level, a community level, and a political level.”
“I think the message is definitely starting to get through that there are better ways to do things.”
Backtrack takes in troubled youths that have “fallen through the gaps” and are one step away from prison, or worse.
An incredible 87 per cent of boys that leave the program are engaged in full time education or employment.
