“THE Man from Cox River” is a cinematic phenomenon, an award-winning doco that has actually secured its way into mainstream cinemas, and it’s directed by a Canberran.

The brainchild of husband and wife team Russell Kilbey (director) and Amy Scully (producer), the film charts the real life impossible mission to save a mob of doomed brumbies in a remote region of Australia’s breathtaking Blue Mountains.

Good news is that “The Man from Cox River” will hit the silver screen at Greater Union Canberra this weekend.

The film follows the travails of the Carlons, whose family business—indulging tourists on horserides through the region’s pristine valley— closed when the river was declared a wilderness area.

Despite a long history of difficult relations between the National Parks and the Carlons, Park Ranger Chris Banffy is forced to declare a truce with the family when tasked with the relocation of a mob of brumbies from the catchment area of the Burragorang Valley fearing an impact on Sydney’s water supply.

While avoiding the outcry that has marred some previous control operations, and with the only access to the trap yards via helicopter or horseback, horseman Carlon is faced with the challenge of leading the animals to safety while working in the parameters set by the family’s former enemy.

“The Man from Cox River” was the first film to scoop a coveted National Trust Heritage Award in a ceremony earlier this year after wooing crowds at the Byron Bay Film Festival. Over five years in the making, it was shot almost entirely on horseback while battling the treacherous conditions of the region, including snakes, 40 degree heat, and wild kicking brumbies. It was also hailed as a “wonderful, wonderful documentary – 10 out of 10” by 2UE Movie Show’s Dale Sinden.

Kilbey and Scully have told “CityNews” that they have attended over 150 screening around the country and that the film has been trouncing feature films at the Roseville Cinema in Sydney.

Greater Union’s screenings of The Man from Cox River also includes a unique insight into the development of the film, with Kilbey and Scully offering a revealing Q & A after the film.

“The Man from Cox River,” at Event Capitol Cinema Manuka, 2pm, Sunday August 10, bookings to eventcinemas.com.au