Dingo (1991)
An outback dreamer. A jazz legend. And a trumpet call that echoes across a lifetime.
Dingo - Movie Information
- Original Title: Dingo
- Release Year: 1991
- Directed by: Rolf de Heer
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Music
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 2, 1991 (Australia)
- Alternative Titles: ディンゴ (JP)
- Production Companies: Vertigo Productions
- Production Countries: Australia, France
Dingo - Plot
Young John Anderson is captivated by jazz musician Billy Cross when he performs on the remote airstrip of his Western Australian outback hometown after his plane is diverted. Years later, now a family man and making a meagre living tracking dingoes and playing trumpet in a local band, John still dreams of joining Billy on trumpet and makes a pilgrimage to Paris.
Dingo - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and hear the jazz that drives John Anderson's lifelong dream:
Truth is magic...It makes dreams come true.
Where to Watch Dingo
Looking for where to watch Dingo?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Dingo - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rolf de Heer
Main Cast
- Colin Friels
- Miles Davis
- Helen Buday
- Joe Petruzzi
- Brigitte Catillon
- Bernard Fresson
- Bernadette Lafont
- Helen Doig
- Eric Oldfield
- Steven Shaw
Writers
- Marc Rosenberg
Producers
- Rolf de Heer
Dingo - FAQs
What is Dingo about?
Dingo follows John Anderson, a man from the remote Australian outback whose life is transformed when jazz legend Billy Cross lands at his local airstrip. Haunted by that encounter, John spends years dreaming of playing trumpet alongside his idol, eventually making a pilgrimage to Paris to chase that dream.
Did Miles Davis actually perform in Dingo?
Yes — Miles Davis not only acted in Dingo but also composed and performed the film's jazz score alongside Michel Legrand. It was one of his final creative projects before his death in September 1991, making the film a remarkable and rare on-screen appearance by the legendary trumpeter.
Where can you stream Dingo (1991)?
You can stream Dingo on Amazon Prime Video, Tubi TV, Kanopy, and Fawesome at no extra cost. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Is Dingo Miles Davis's only film appearance?
Dingo stands as one of the very few times Miles Davis appeared as an actor in a feature film. While he had brief cameos elsewhere, this was his most substantial acting role, and the film's jazz soundtrack — composed by Davis and Michel Legrand — remains a celebrated part of his late-career legacy.
Who directed Dingo and what is his style?
Rolf de Heer directed Dingo. The Australian filmmaker is known for thoughtful, character-driven stories that explore isolation, identity, and longing. Dingo fits squarely in that tradition, blending the vast emptiness of the outback with the emotional pull of music and unfulfilled dreams.
Who are the main actors in Dingo?
Colin Friels leads the cast as John Anderson, the outback dreamer at the heart of the story. Miles Davis plays jazz legend Billy Cross. The supporting cast includes Helen Buday, Joe Petruzzi, Brigitte Catillon, Bernard Fresson, and Bernadette Lafont.
Is Dingo worth watching for jazz fans?
Absolutely. Beyond its moving story of dreams and obsession, Dingo offers a genuinely special musical experience. The score by Miles Davis and Michel Legrand is exceptional, and seeing Davis perform on screen adds a layer of emotional weight that makes the film essential viewing for any jazz enthusiast.
Where was Dingo filmed?
Dingo was filmed across two very different worlds — the vast, sun-baked Australian outback of Western Australia and the streets of Paris, France. That geographical contrast mirrors the film's central tension between John's humble origins and his grand, jazz-fuelled dreams of a different life.
More About Dingo
Explore further details about Dingo on these trusted film databases.