Inspiring and heat breaking in equal measure, Backtrack Boys chronicles the inspiring story of one mans mission to help troubled kids forge a better future for themselves in a world that has forgotten them.

For some, life is comprised of a vicious cycle of addiction, crime, imprisonment, release, and then repeat. Systems are in place to apprehend, incarcerate and rehabilitate. Yet it doesn’t always work. People fall through the cracks, and are once again lost in that dark, swirling cycle of addiction, crime, imprisonment, release, and then repeat. For younger kids (especially boys) this cycle is particularly lethal.

Thankfully there is hope found in alternative programs. A key one is Backtrack, a youth program run by former jackaroo Bernie Shakeshaft on the outskirts of Armidale, NSW. There Bernie instils a no-nonsense approach to education and responsibility, especially through the training and companionship of his dogs, which the steady stream of juveniles that enter Backtrack take to with ease, partaking in nation wide tours with Backtrack’s legendary dog-jumping teams.

Director Catherine Scott (Scarlet Road) delves into this world of second chances and last resorts with a keen eye on the people involved and their stories. Each teen and adolescent involved all come from similar backgrounds, where lack of parenting mixed with bad attitudes and substance abuse (pick your poison) results in rides to the court house via police escort.

One subject, Rusty, a freckled blonde 12-year-old with a mouth sure to make a bikie blush, is a particularly sad case as it just feels like he can’t help but get into trouble. Another case involving an older teen is also particularly sad, as it feels like he is on a path towards something great, until those old demons and bad habits drag him down once again. When Bernie breaks down at his plight, so do we alongside with him.

There is plenty of heart in Backtrack Boys to go along with the heartbreak. Scott has expertly documented Bernie’s world of redemption and rehabilitation, and presented a place where unconditional love, stern discipline, and realistic life goals all forge to provide a pathway which these young boys can become young men. If there was ever a bloke who you could shake hands with much respect and appreciation, Bernie Shakeshaft would be him.