BACKTRACK BOYS

2018 • 100 minutes

About this movie

A group of troubled boys are on a perilous course towards jail until they meet up with the rough talking, free-wheeling jackaroo, Bernie Shakeshaft, and hit the road with his legendary dog jumping team. This life-affirming, observational documentary, filmed over two years, follows Zach, Tyrson, and Rusty in a youth program that Bernie runs from a shed on the outskirts of Armidale, a rural Australian town in New South Wales. It reveals the challenges and triumphs these boys face as they try to find their place in the world, and the dogs that help tame their wild ways.

Ratings and reviews

Beautiful documentary which really highlights the context in which some of the troubled youths (even those who are on the path of improvement) are in and as Bernie rightly put it: "Makes you wonder what are we doing to each other as humans?". The signs are showing us that we need to come up with better ways of organising our societies, and the backtrack program proves that they do exist.

I watched this movie with tears in my eyes at many times. What a beautiful documentary of love in action. An inspirational story of an inspirational team - including the gorgeous boys who shared their private stories - and never to forget the magnificent dogs and the unconditional love they always offer! x

Incredible. Heart-warming. Eye opening. Will be donating to Backtrack. Hope this documentary increases awareness of this wonderful program. Fantastic work Bernie, you're an Australian hero.