MUSIC LICENSING Helena Czajka

DIRECTED BY Wayne Blair and Nel Minchin

PRODUCED BY Ivan O’Mahoney

PRODUCTION COMPANY In Films

Firestarter – The Story of Bangarra is a historically important film that takes the viewer through Bangarra’s birth and spectacular growth to where we are today entering our 4th decade.  It recognises Bangarra’s early founders and tells the story of how three young Aboriginal brothers – Stephen, David and Russell Page – turned the newly born dance group into one of Australia’s leading performing arts companies. Through the eyes of the Page brothers and company alumni, Firestarter explores the loss and reclaiming of culture, the burden of intergenerational trauma and crucially, the extraordinary power of art as a messenger for social change and healing.

The documentary features remarkable archival footage and interviews with those integral to Bangarra’s establishment, including co-founders Carole Johnson, Cheryl Stone along with a number of former dancers and creatives.  

Firestarter had its world premiere at the Brisbane International Film Festival on 11 October 2020, followed by screenings at film festivals across Australia.