Guided by Horses

Amid the breathtaking vistas of the Kimberley, a groundbreaking equine sanctuary helps First Nations teenagers discover reconnection and healing.

The natural beauty of Western Australia’s Kimberley region hides a shocking truth: the youth suicide rate in this remote part of the country is among the highest in the world. Pioneering Aboriginal researcher Professor Juli Coffin is seeking to change that with a unique program that pairs young people with horses, offering a culturally safe sanctuary in which they navigate their paths to adulthood, forming life-changing bonds along the way. Director Sean O’Reilly works closely with Coffin – whose own life was once saved by a horse – to document their remarkable journeys.

Executive-produced by Hunter Page-Lochard, Huna Amweero, Daniel Gordon, Mark Coles Smith and Stephen Page, O’Reilly’s documentary combines observational footage with first-person testimony, set against the stunningly cinematic backdrop of some of Australia’s most majestic landscapes. Full of charm, joy and gentle humour, Guided by Horses is an engaging reminder of where we can turn to for our inner spirit to be ignited.

Content: Melbourne International Film Festival