Closing night at the AFF was filled with some of the best films of the festival including the epic adventure film Tracks. The movie tells the true-life story of Robyn Davidson’s 2700km solo journey in 1977 through the western Australian desert with her four camels and faithful dog Diggity. Her journey is mesmerizing and powerful. Mia Wasikowska, known for her work in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, is outstanding as Davidson.
The audience goes along with Wasikowska as she goes through the struggles, triumphs, sadness and frustration along the way. Davidson had to learn how to train camels and get financing for the journey. Her stubbornness to complete the track on her own is constantly tested with the presence of Rick Smolan (Adam Driver), a photographer from National Geographic, the publication which funded the project. The Aboriginals in the film, particularly the hilarious Mr. Eddie (Roly Mintuma), add a rich dimension and history to the scathing landscape. The gorgeous, breathtaking scenes of the harsh desert underscore the remarkable courage of Davidson to take this trip. Tracks is a rare film that speaks about a woman’s journey completed on her own terms. It is truly amazing.
