Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra

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Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra

2021

1h 20m

Documentary

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100%

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11 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

FIRESTARTER-THE STORY OF BANGARRA, is a feature length documentary about the birth and spectacular growth of Australia’s famed Bangarra Dance Theater. Through the eyes of three young Aboriginal brothers-Stephen, David and Russell Page and company alumni, the film 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. Featuring authentic storytelling, mesmerizing technique and deeply moving and spectacular performances, combined with candid interviews and a treasure trove of archival footage, FIRESTARTER-THE STORY OF BANGARRA illuminates how the Bangarra Dance Theater has developed into one of Australia's most powerful cultural institutions. As the company enters it’s fourth decade, Artistic director Stephen Page must lead the company with a new generation of Indigenous dancers relying on his genius to tell their stories.

Debi Enker

Sydney Morning Herald

That's a lot to pack into 90 minutes, a challenge which writer-directors Nel Minchin and Wayne Blair fluidly accomplish while fashioning a compelling, sometimes joyful and sometimes heart-breaking tale of resilience and fragility.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 30, 2021

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Dwight Brown

National Newspaper Publishers Association

This crucial story, about an all-indigenous dance company and its mission, has been well told and preserved by thoughtful filmmakers.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 12, 2021

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Sandra Hall

Sydney Morning Herald

Firestarter's co-directors Nel Minchin and Wayne Blair make a determined effort to set the company's story against the political context of its times, a strategy that makes the film seem a little over-ambitious, burdening it with too many voices.

Rated: 3.5/5

Feb 24, 2021

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Glenn Dunks

The Film Experience

The video is incredible and puts a spotlight on the choreography and production that was a part of a larger wave of Indigenous art in Australian culture.

Aug 6, 2021

Full Review

Pat Mullen

POV Magazine

An invigorating study of the road to reconciliation by supporting Indigenous communities through the arts and giving them a platform to share their heritage and culture.

May 22, 2021

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Breanne Doyle

Georgia Straight

The film sends a powerful message about celebrating one's heritage, pushing boundaries, and how art can help to reclaim an entire culture's place in society.

May 14, 2021

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Audience Member

Easily the most moving and raw documentary I've ever seen. Speechless at times, mesmerised at others and gut wrenching to say the least of my experiences and emotions. People can say this often about films and docos, but I firmly believe this is must see for every non-Indigenous person in this country so called Australia. If the want reconciliation, a great place to start is here. Sit, listen and learn the stories from these first nations people because their voices need to be heard and their impact must be felt, especially if this country wants to move forward.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

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Nel Minchin

Director

Wayne Blair

Director

Wayne Blair

Writer

Nel Minchin

Writer

Nel Minchin

Producer

Ivan O'Mahoney

Producer

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Synopsis

FIRESTARTER-THE STORY OF BANGARRA, is a feature length documentary about the birth and spectacular growth of Australia’s famed Bangarra Dance Theater. Through the eyes of three young Aboriginal brothers-Stephen, David and Russell Page and company alumni, the film 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. Featuring authentic storytelling, mesmerizing technique and deeply moving and spectacular performances, combined with candid interviews and a treasure trove of archival footage, FIRESTARTER-THE STORY OF BANGARRA illuminates how the Bangarra Dance Theater has developed into one of Australia's most powerful cultural institutions. As the company enters it’s fourth decade, Artistic director Stephen Page must lead the company with a new generation of Indigenous dancers relying on his genius to tell their stories.

Director: Nel Minchin, Wayne Blair
Producer: Nel Minchin, Ivan O'Mahoney
Screenwriter: Wayne Blair, Nel Minchin
Production Co: In Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Australian English
Runtime: 1h 20m