Everyone I run into in Alice Springs (Mparntwe) seems to be an extra in the Aussie family movie Kangaroo .

Understandably, anticipation is building before the movie hits cinemas on September 18 with an all-star cast including Deborah Mailman, Ryan Corr, Ernie Dingo and Rachel House.

The fictional movie is based on local legend Chris 'Brolga' Barns, who opened a Kangaroo Sanctuary to rescue and raise injured joeys.

I'm invited to a tour of the sanctuary, the day before the Alice Springs movie screening - a red carpet event in the red centre.

Brolga enthusiastically calls to his joeys (he knows them each by name), whilst holding a bucket of food.

Watching the tall man in his khaki outfit and boots lean down to hug a joey may be the most picturesque Australian scene I've ever witne

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