Documentary Feature

Hi my name is Paulina Hobbs & hubby, Ed and I are progressing with our 20 min short documentary into a Feature Documentary after Festival screening.

Kalbarri Kid is a West Australian story about Tony, a complex man who lived an interesting life. A depression/war farm boy with repeated life setbacks, fighting spirit, determination and resilience led this horse-whisperer to find and realise his dreams in his second half.

A lifetime bond following an abusive father, early marriage and family of five to support without financial backing and a bashing at his roadhouse, all had to be absorbed. But his rare talent with horses enabled him to realise his dream of sunset and river rides along the Mighty Murchison River for holiday makers out of the Big River Ranch, and success on the track across WA.

A little cross-dressing balanced his otherwise lifetime macho persona which enabled his own father son conversation that was waiting to happen.

Told through the eyes of an ageing and reflective Tony, along with accounts from his family, local powerbrokers, and racing professionals, this short documentary offers a rich insight into a different time — exploring the enduring shadows of the past, and themes of trauma, connection, and the fragile path to healing.