As part of its First Look program, from 6-16 October the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) presents Dragonslayer (2011), the debut documentary from award winning director Tristan Patterson.

Embodying the spirit of Larry Clarke and Gus Van Sant, Dragonslayer follows the adventures of washed up pro-skateboarder Josh 'Screech' Sandoval who travels around the USA in search of abandoned swimming pools, and tries his luck at skating competitions along the way. Spending much of his time drinking beers, smoking bongs, and hanging out with his girlfriend, Screech's life is on a path to nowhere in particular.

An exercise in low budget filmmaking, Dragonslayer was shot in high definition video through the lens of an SLR camera. Capturing the beauty of the American landscape in the most unassuming locations and intercut with skater-operated flip camera footage, the film is a portrait of suburban angst, punk rock attitude and quiet reflection.