Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra

Meet Bangarra’s early founders, three young Aboriginal brothers, who turned the newly born dance group into one of Australia’s leading performing companies and created the opening ceremony of the Australian Olympics

At the center of this fascinating film is the story of three young Aboriginal brothers – Stephen, David and Russell Page – and their mission to turn the fledgling dance group into one of Australia’s leading performing arts companies. Through the eyes of the Page brothers and company alumni, Firestarter explores both the loss and reclamation of culture, the burden of intergenerational trauma and the extraordinary power of art as an instrument 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.

Post-screening Q&A
Michelle Potter, Australian dance critic and writer, moderates an interview with Frances Rings the Associate Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theater and film directors, Nel Minchin and Wayne Blair

Film is unavailable in New Zealand, Portugal and Poland

Program Info

October 15 - October 24
Venue: Streaming on Marquee TV
$11.99 / $50 (festival pass)
Director: Wayne Blair & Nel Minchin
Choreographer: Stephen, David and Russell Page, Bangarra Dance Theatre
(Australia, 2021) 80 min
Genre: Documentary | Contemporary