[2] After being initiated and growing up together, troubled natural born leader Botj (Sean Mununggurr), conservative and traditionalist Lorrpu (John Sebastian) and football loving ladies' man Milika (Nathan Daniels) are transitioning from childhood to adulthood.

Botj, who has recently been released from prison, decides to break into the local store to get cigarettes and he convinces Lorrpu and Milika to join him.

Determined to help Botj avoid imprisonment, Lorrpu and Milika trek with him from their home in north-eastern Arnhem Land through the wilderness and treacherous escarpment country to Darwin to plead his case before Dawu (Nungki Yunupingu), a Yolngu elder.

On their journey they draw upon the ancient bush knowledge they were taught as boys, the street instinct of their leader, Botj, and consequently gain new respect for themselves, and the land they come from.

[3][4][5][6] The project was a joint development with independent producer, Stephen Johnson of Darwin-based production company, Burrundi Pictures.

During the visit, Edgar spent time hunting mud crabs with elder Gulumbu Mununggurr, who confirmed the community's interest in proceeding with the development of a feature film and the workshops.

[10] Together with the local community elders, they advised and approved the film from a cultural perspective, including the researching and writing of the script, casting, wardrobe, makeup and art department.

Director, Stephen Johnson[10]The Foundation and Darwin-based Corrugated Iron Youth Theatre (CIYT) conducted two weeks of performance workshops for young Yolngu people from the Yirrkala and Gunyangara Communities in north Arnhem Land from 17 to 28 June 1996.

The purpose of the workshops was to provide insight into acting skills and the process of filmmaking and to impart a feeling of ownership and pride in the finished product.

The workshops were sponsored by the Foundation, Northern Territory Health Services, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board and the Theatre Fund of the Australia Council.

[14][15] The casting director, Maggie Miles, with Glenn and Johnson, toured the Northern territory top-end visiting communities and screened 1,000 boys for the three main roles.

[19] On 1 February 2001, more than 800 guests arrived at the Village Cinema in central Darwin for a premiere screening, hosted by the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Denis Burke.

A parliamentary screening hosted by the Peter McGauran, Minister for the Arts, took place in Parliament House, Canberra, on 7 February 2001.

[21] Athabasca University in Canada hosted the Canadian premiere of Yolngu Boy in conjunction with their indigenous education program.

[21] Free screenings of the feature film Yolngu Boy took place for teachers in the first week of December in capital cities around Australia.

[22] Key Themes included in the Study Guide were Rites of Passage and personal Growth, The Search For Identity, Friendship, Rules, Rights and Responsibilities and Culture.

[22] On 7 February, the Hon Peter McGauran, Minister for the Arts, hosted a parliamentary screening of Yolngu Boy at Parliament House in Canberra.

[10] The screening, introduced by producer Patricia Edgar and Director Stephen Johnson, was attended by over 300 guests including Dr. David Kemp, Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs and the Hon.

[24] The conference included a session on Studying Contemporary Indigenous Issues featuring Yolngu Boy and Australian Rules.

[24] At the MIPCOM television market held in Cannes in October 2003, the ACTF sold Yolngu Boy to YLE Finland.

Peter Thompson, Sunday, Channel 9[19] "This is a terrific contribution to the reconciliation process...The film has great honesty, but will also provide greater understanding of indigenous spirituality and culture.

Michael Long, Essendon Football Club[19] "Yolngu Boy is a movie with heart and integrity, but is also insightful, original and intensely compelling".

James Brandis, WA Post[19] "The film, about three teenagers caught between the modern world and their traditional culture, is a visual feast".

Philip Ruddock, Minister for Reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs[10] "A really impressive film with incredible energy.