Firestarter - The Story of Bangarra

Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra marks the Bangarra Dance Theatre’s 30th anniversary. Taking us through the company’s foundation and spectacular growth, the film recognises Bangarra’s founders and tells the story of how three young Aboriginal brothers – Stephen, David and Russell Page – transformed the dance group into a First Nations cultural powerhouse. But as the film reveals, the company’s international success came at a huge personal cost. As it enters its fourth decade, Stephen must lead the company alone, finding a way to channel grief and sorrow into the strength needed to forge ahead, with a new generation of Indigenous dancers relying on him to tell their stories. Through the eyes of the brothers and company alumni, Firestarter explores the loss and reclamation of culture, the burden of intergenerational trauma, and – crucially – the power of art as a messenger for social change, care, pleasure and healing.

Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra will be followed by a Q&A with Wayne Blair and Nel Minchin which will be shown after the screening and be available on Selects.

Please also join us for a free online workshop inspired by Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra, 'Fire and Land: Ritualistic Movement and Spirituality' - 19:00 (BST) Wed 9 June with Angelina Abel, Mulembas D'Africa. This workshop is part of the Sheffield DocFest Community Programme.