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Cheeky Dog: Travelling dogs
Title:
Cheeky Dog: Travelling dogs
NFSA ID
1021476
Year
2006
Warnings
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following program may contain images and/or audio of deceased persons
As Dion is drawing dogs, Joie Boulter tells us that Dion is going through a phase where all the dogs he draws are angry. Dion’s grandpa John Beasley talks about Dion’s drawings, and how he draws dogs in all different situations. We see examples of Dion’s drawings. Summary by Romaine Moreton.
Dion’s obsession with dogs is one expressed through his art. Dion is deaf and his artwork communicates and reveals his acute ability to observe dogs in all situations, capturing them in his simple drawings.
Cheeky Dog synopsis
A documentary about a young Indigenous boy with muscular dystrophy and his fascination with dogs.
Cheeky Dog is part of the Nganampa Anwernekenhe series produced by Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA) Productions. Nganampa Anwernekenhe means 'ours’ in the Pitjanjatjara and Arrernte lanuages, and the series aims to contribute to the preservation of Indigenous languages and cultures.
Cheeky Dog curator's notes
Stylistically, this documentary titled Cheeky Dog introduces the audience slowly to the personal world of Dion Beasley, a young deaf Aboriginal boy who has muscular dystrophy. The narrative unfolds gradually as we get to know Dion’s playful fascination, verging on obsession, with dogs. This enthralment with dogs is important in Dion’s life, inspiring him to draw his four legged friends constantly. It is this drawing of dogs that leads to Dion’s work being applied to T-shirts and made available for sale. Dogs seem to have a peaceful, calming affect on Dion, and the animated segments in the film, inspired by Dion’s artwork, add to the simplistic charm of this story.
Notes by Romaine Moreton
Production company
CAAMA Productions
Executive Producer
Rachel Clements
Series producer
Barbara Clifford
Director
Dena Curtis
Cast
Dion Beasely, Gloria Beasley, John Beasley, Joie Boulter, Anna Vost, Taryn Walker
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia acknowledges Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and gives respect to their Elders both past and present.