Motorkite Dreaming is a beautiful and inspiring documentary film that follows the journey of Aidan Glasby, Daryl Clarke and their team as they set out to fly motorized kites across the rugged terrain of Australia's remote Cape York Peninsula. The film, directed by Charlie Hill-Smith, captures the spirit of adventure, the thrill of discovery, and the power of nature through breathtaking aerial footage, intimate interviews, and stunning visuals that showcase the country's stunning landscapes.
The film begins with Aidan and Daryl, two Australian kite pilots, preparing for their most ambitious project yet - a journey of more than 5,000 km across the Australian outback. Their goal is to explore the vast and uncharted regions of Cape York Peninsula, located in the far north of Queensland, using motorized kites as their primary mode of transportation. The challenge is immense, as they face extreme weather conditions, navigational challenges, and the logistical issues of carrying all their gear and supplies on their small and lightweight flying machines.
From the start, the film immerses the audience in the unique world of motorized kites, giving a sense of the excitement and freedom that comes with flying these incredible machines. The documentary delves into the science behind the kites and the challenges of designing them to function in a variety of conditions, from strong winds to heavy rain. The team uses the kites to explore the landscape, surveying the terrain from above, and tracing the contours of the land with their cameras. The result is a stunning visual journey that captures the beauty of this wild and remote region.
As the journey unfolds, the film explores the different challenges facing the team, from navigating through dense rainforest, to dealing with floods, and fighting off crocodiles. One of the highlights of the film is the intimate interviews with the team members, giving a sense of their personal motivations and the emotional impact of the journey. We hear from pilots, engineers, and photographers, all of whom share their unique perspectives on this incredible adventure.
Throughout the film, the sense of camaraderie and teamwork between the members of the group is evident, as they work together to overcome each new obstacle along the way. There are moments of tension and drama, such as when the team must cross a raging river, or when they are forced to take off in the midst of a tropical storm. Yet the film is also full of moments of joy and discovery, as the team uncovers hidden waterfalls, wildlife, and ancient rock art.
Motorkite Dreaming is also a celebration of the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Cape York Peninsula. The film features interviews with indigenous people from the region, exploring their cultural traditions and the deep connection they have with the land. The film shows the team visiting remote communities and learning from the local people, and captures the beauty of the region's wildlife, including crocodiles, turtles, and birds.
Finally, the film is also a testament to the power of human resilience and perseverance. The journey of Aidan, Daryl and their team is a true adventure, full of danger and uncertainty. Yet through it all, they never lose sight of their goal, and their dedication to their mission is truly inspiring. The film ends with a sense of triumph and accomplishment, as the team reaches their destination after months of hard work and dedication.
Overall, Motorkite Dreaming is an incredible documentary film that will inspire and awe audiences with its stunning visuals, captivating story, and powerful message. It is a must-see for anyone who is passionate about adventure, exploration, and the beauty of the natural world.
Motorkite Dreaming is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.
