Initiation (1987 film)

Initiation is a 1987 Australian adventure drama thriller film directed by Michael Pearce based on his idea and starring Bruno Lawrence and Rodney Harvey.

Plot
After the death of his mother, teenager Danny Molloy leaves New York to find his father Nat, who lives on an isolated farm in South Australia with Sal and her teenage daughter Stevie. Because income from the farm isn't sufficient, Nat uses his aeroplane to smuggle marijuana for the mafia and on a flight with Danny the plane crashes among empty mountains. Since his father is wounded, Danny has to set off alone through the jungle to find help: this is his initiation to manhood.

Cast

 * Rodney Harvey as Danny Molloy
 * Bruno Lawrence as Nat Molloy
 * Miranda Otto as Stevie
 * Arna-Maria Winchester as Sal
 * Bobby Smith as Kulu
 * Tony Barry as Pat
 * Luciano Catenacci as Carlo

Production
The film was shot in Adelaide and the Blue Mountains. It was completed in January 1987.

Release
The film was pre-sold to US distributor Goldfarb for $850,000 but Goldfarb later backed out of this commitment claiming they did not have the money.

Accolades
Bobby Smith was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 1987 AFI Awards.