Warwick Thornton, one of Australia’s renowned filmmakers, is set to make his debut at the Red CentreNATS festival this year. This event, known for its high-energy atmosphere, is a sister festival to Canberra’s Summernats, presenting a variety of car and motorcycle events over four days.
Beginning today, the festival is expected to draw hundreds of both amateur and professional automotive enthusiasts to Alice Springs, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
Thornton, a celebrated Kaytetye filmmaker and recipient of the Cannes Film Festival’s Camera d’Or, humorously remarked about participating in this year’s Red CentreNATS, suggesting that driving his vehicle might require a tetanus shot. Yet, his passion for cars is genuine, reflecting his lifelong interest in automobiles.
Thornton has a knack for discovering and acquiring vehicles, often spending countless hours working on them in backyards and workshops throughout Alice Springs until they are restored to life. This year, he will showcase a heavily modified 1970s Toyota FJ 40, dubbed a “bull chaser,” designed for capturing scrub bulls in the rugged Northern Territory outback.
He connects his love for cars with his cinematic skills, stating, “The intersection of cars and film lies in storytelling.” He adds that themes of desire, jealousy, and a hint of madness form the essence of narratives, and he has been captivated by Australian films centered on car culture long before he considered a career in cinematography or directing.
Described as an iconic vehicle in the Northern Territory, the bull chaser may not be the most visually appealing car in Thornton’s collection, yet it has been a labor of love for approximately a decade. He and his son, filmmaker Dylan River, retrieved it from the Top End and brought it back to Alice Springs.
Bull chasers are characterized by their stripped-down, short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive design, equipped with robust bull bars and reinforced sides, making them adept at navigating challenging terrains. Thornton recounted finding the vehicle in a dilapidated state, hidden beneath a mango tree and covered in decay. He recognized its potential to preserve an essential part of pastoral history, born out of necessity.
“These vehicles were crafted to maneuver near bulls, nudging them with their front tires or guiding them towards a bull catcher with a mechanical arm,” he explained, expressing deep admiration for the vehicle’s legacy.
Amber Driver, the owner of Elkedra Station located about 400 kilometers north of Alice Springs, noted that similar vehicles remain in use for cattle herding. She affirmed their iconic status within the Central and Northern Australian cattle industry, remarking that while they may resemble cars from a post-apocalyptic film, they serve vital roles in managing wild cattle and buffalo.
Unlike typical working bull chasers, Thornton and River equipped their vehicle with a modern V8 engine. The Red CentreNATS festival celebrates all aspects of automotive culture, featuring numerous high-octane events over its four-day run, including burnout competitions, drag races, a street parade, and even a unique mullet contest.
This festival, which kicks off today, is a significant economic contributor, with over half of the 700 participants traveling from other states to experience the event. Festival organizer Andy Lopez highlighted the unique permit that allows enthusiasts with heavily modified vehicles, typically barred from public roads, to join in the festivities.
Lopez reflected on the emotional connection owners have with their vehicles, saying, “These cars are an expression of love, representing not only the owner’s personality but also the community behind them.”
Although Thornton’s bull chaser will not participate in the street parade—lacking brakes due to its off-road design—he plans to display it at the show and shine event for attendees to admire. He proudly referred to it as a “Michelangelo of the bush,” emphasizing its artistic value.
