BBFF2026 Meet the Filmmaker: Stephen Dupont

That Half Barbaric Twang

Two of Australia’s most recognised actors and a musical wizard. A troubadour trio of conscientious vagabonds. They bring their ‘badass gospel’ country music to the most remote and marginalized people in Australia. They seek fameless perfection through their unique sound. But, they also dream of one day playing the Grand Ole Opry - Nashville.

That Half Barbaric Twang is a spiritual epic road movie for the love of music and country.

Writer, director and producer of the film, Stephen Dupont, let us in on the colourful characters of the band members, his journey from photography to filmmaking, and what he hopes BBFF audiences will take away from the film.

BBFF audiences may recognise the name Stephen Dupont. In 2023, Stephen and co-producer, -writer and editor Elizabeth Tadic, bagged the BBFF2023 Best Documentary Award for their film KAUGERE: A Place Where Nobody Enters. Following the film’s international success, Stephen returns to our screens with a new human-centred story to tell. This time, not about sport, but, about music.

Having built a friendship with the Wollongong-based members of The Number 4 Band and been blown away by their music, Stephen knew he just had to make a film about them!

Esteemed actor David Field (Chopper, Two Hands) is the band’s joker with a penchant for disappearing acts, fake horse betting and honey bourbon.

Geoff Morrell, also a respected actor (Ned Kelly, Lord Of The Rings), is the solitary man with an ever-growing rock collection and who lives with his whippet, Ian.

Veteran singer, songwriter and music producer Tim Oxley completes the band. He is the accountant, recognised by his pink Billabong backpack that contains the band’s float.

All three lend their voices and play various instruments, including the banjo, harmonica and mandolin. They do not play covers. They often busk. And they are bringing their music to the bush. (Whilst maintaining their dream to play Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry).

The film follows the band’s Australian tour, and the ups and downs of friendship, live performance, community and madness. “Think Werner Herzog meets Jim Jarmusch,” Stephen tells us. “This is an exclusive window inside their personal and professional lives through their passion for music. It is an off-the-wall road movie in style.”

It was important to Stephen that the bandmates’ connection to the country is portrayed. The film features stunning cinematography of some of the most hidden Australian landscapes, signalling the band’s commitment to acknowledging the land, its history, and its people.

Stephen’s storytelling background lies in photography, particularly the documentation of war scenes. His work has earned him prestigious photography awards throughout the years, and he has cemented himself as a published book author. He tells us he was originally drawn to filmmaking because he wanted to bring stories to life in a way that only the moving image and sound can. His unmistakable raw and candid style translates seamlessly into this documentary.

Stephen highlights the team effort it took to make the film a reality. David Field assumed the role of co-producer; Dom O’Donnell assisted with editing and other technical needs; Spectrum Films delivered on exceptional post-production, and life partner Elizabeth Tadic provided the emotional support that carried Stephen through to the end.

Along their cross-country expedition, the band gets into their fair share of shenanigans. They run into the oddball type of characters one can only find in the Australian countryside, persevere through hangovers, embark on side quests and, most importantly, leave behind smiles and tears of joy with their conscious music and larrikin humour.

But, filming a story this eccentric and playful doesn’t come without its ‘troubles’. Stephen shares how he struggled to retain composure whilst capturing all the silliness. “...noone wants to look at shaky camera work,” he confesses, “...lots of footage ended up on the cutting room floor.'“

And what production moment stuck with Stephen the most?

“Watching the band's reactions as they watched the film rough cut for the first time,” he reveals. “Nervously hoping they would like it and their expressions of joy said everything.”

Lastly, we asked Stephen what he hopes BBFF audiences will take away from the film.

“Lots of laughter and an appreciation of some incredible music that they probably have never heard before,” he answered. “I am hoping for pure joy and laughter and smiles.”

Stephen dedicates this film to anyone who, like The Number Four Band, has the bravery to go out into the world and live their dreams.

That Half Barbaric Twang plays in Lismore, Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay.