The New Boy is set on a remote mission for Aboriginal children in the 1940s, which is run by a renegade nun, Sister Eileen (Cate Blanchett) - a renegade because she is actively concealing the mysterious death of a priest who is still officially in charge.

A collaboration between Blanchett and Thornton, the film is at times quite aethereal, with elements of magic that exist uneasily alongside the mission's Christianity. These are most notable in the supernatural powers of the 'new boy', who had mysteriously appeared in the middle of the night.

Aswan Reid was the second boy auditioned for this role and Thornton was amazed at his performance. The New Boy is a complex film and an intriguing exploration of Aboriginal spirituality and the coming of a new cosmology (Christianity) through the eyes of an innocent Aboriginal child. Understanding the removal of children during the colonial era through Thornton’s eyes is a necessary education.

The musical score is a Nick Cave and Warren Ellis collaboration, so this is truly a film of modern Australia.

Australia, 2022, 116 min. Written and directed Warwick Thornton. Dist: Raodshow

Stars: Aswan Reid, Cate Blanchett, Wayne Blair and Deborah Mailman. Filmed near Burra in South Australia.

This event is produced by the Ballarat Film Society - entry by membership (available at the door)