Motorkite Dreaming

Motorkite Dreaming is a captivating feature-length documentary film, directed by Charlie Hill-Smith and released in 2016 through Contact Films. This cinematic tour de force takes viewers on an epic journey across the world’s oldest continent, Australia, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and diverse cultures.

The film primarily follows the outback escapades of two charismatic, adventuresome friends: Daryl Clarke, a resourceful diesel mechanic with a cutting-edge vision, and Aidan Glasby, a buoyant free spirit who works as a paramedic. These amateur adventurers share a unique passion: flying! More specifically, they are fans of flying motorized paragliders, known colloquially as motorkites. These lightweight, low-flying machines offer an intimate experience of flight without the barriers and complexities of conventional aviation.

Inspired by the desire to explore their country from a unique perspective and connect with its deep-rooted indigenous culture, the duo undertakes a daring expedition, planning to cross over 4000km traversing Australia. The route runs from Adelaide in the south to the most northerly point of the continent, Cape York, largely unescorted, except when flying over tribal land where they are accompanied by traditional Aboriginal custodians.

This flight of a lifetime is not without its risks. Daryl and Aidan have to contend with extreme weather conditions and potential equipment failures. Still, their biggest challenge lies in navigating Australia's diverse cultural landscapes. The duo is required to negotiate with the traditional landowners to gain access to their ancestral territory. This element underlines the movie's exploration of Australian indigenous culture and the complex narrative surrounding indigenous land rights, acting as a significant subplot in the documentary.

Accompanying them are senior Aboriginal custodians, Eddie Peters and Jonny Nargoodah, who serve as cultural guides across a vast tapestry of this sacred heritage. As the team journey through intricate landscapes and ancient communities, viewers are offered insight into the rich and well-preserved indigenous histories, cosmologies, and philosophies. Engaging meetings with Aboriginal community members, elders, and artists introduce an array of astonishing rock art and spellbinding storytelling, bringing to life the radiant spirit and profound wisdom of Australia's First Nations people.

Motorkite Dreaming not only explores the beauty of the physical landscape but also delves deep into a social and cultural terra incognita, bringing to light the complex histories, struggles, and formidable resilience of Aboriginal Australians. The film fuses a high-stakes adventure story with a poignant ethnographic study, foregrounding the often overlooked narratives of the Indigenous people while parallely delighting viewers with stunning aerial cinematography.

The film's cinematographic prowess creates a whole new level of natural vista, capturing Australia's most remote and iconic landmarks from the air. These unique aerial perspectives complement the tactile ground-level encounters with local communities, wildlife encounters and the day-to-day drudgery masquerading as adventure. The portrayal of Australia's expanse, from the shimmering South Australian deserts to the mysterious rock formations in the Northern Territory to the lush tropics of Cape York, truly offers a feast for the eyes.

The original filmed footage is beautifully textured with artful animations that bring a delightful visual charm to the storytelling. Also adding depth and gravitas to the movie's tone is the original music score which weaves traditional Indigenous sounds with contemporary rhythms, encapsulating the essence and spirit of the journey.

Notably, Motorkite Dreaming doesn't shy away from highlighting the socio-political issues surrounding land rights, indigenous culture preservation, and the ongoing impacts of colonialism. Yet, it maintains an upbeat and optimistic tone throughout, facilitated by the leading duo's affable personalities, their shared love for flying, and the universal thrill of pursuing an audacious dream.

Overall, Motorkite Dreaming is an exhilarating ride that marries high-flying adventure with incisive cultural exploration, showcasing the glowing heart of Australia like never before. This film is a standout choice for adventure aficionados and history buffs alike, offering a refreshing and insightful gaze over the Australian continent, its multicultural history and the enduring strength and beauty of its Indigenous peoples.