Story of Resilience and Hope Opens Byron Bay Film Festival

Firestarter – The Bangarra Story will open the 14th Byron Bay International Film Festival at Palace Cinemas on October 23. The glamorous red-carpet celebration will kick off ten days of provocative and entertaining films and events, while adhering to safe Covid practices.

Festival Director J'aimee Skippon-Volke says that Firestarter is a perfect opening night film for the festival. “This film comes at a time when a story of triumph against all odds couldn't be more relevant,” says J’aimee. “The extraordinary tale of the Page brothers, whose influence on Australian culture has been tremendous, but perhaps still undervalued, has the power to educate and inspire us about the power of the arts to heal and bring about social change.”

Firestarter – The Story of Bangarra marks Bangarra Dance Theatre’s 30th anniversary. Taking us through Bangarra’s birth and spectacular growth, the film recognises Bangarra’s founders and tells the story of how three young Aboriginal brothers — Artistic director Stephen Page, composer David Page and lead dancer Russell Page — turned the newly born dance group into a First Nations cultural powerhouse. Through the eyes of the brothers and company alumni, Firestarter explores the loss and reclaiming of culture, the burden of intergenerational trauma, and – crucially – the power of art as a messenger for social change and healing.

Firestarter makes Bangarra’s anniversary year its launch pad but takes us right back to the world in which the Page brothers grew up as youngsters – Queensland in the 70s and 80s, a world in which racism and suppression of Aboriginal identity was still rife, with one law for whites and another for blacks. The film includes never before seen home video, shot by David as a child, and rare archive takes us through the boys’ younger years, interweaving their story with the late 80s/early 90s rise of black ‘artivism’ and the start of Bangarra with Stephen Page appointed Artistic Director, age 2.

Directed by Wayne Blair, (‘The Sapphires’), of Batjala, Mununjail and Wake Waka descent, and Nel Minchin, Firestarter – The Story of Bangarra will leave you in no doubt about the place of Indigenous art and performing artists in 21st century Australia, and the role that three modern Aboriginal visionaries, the Page brothers, played in advancing Bangarra onto the world stage.

J'aimee Skippon-Volke says: “Our special 2020 edition of the festival has a key intention of spreading hope for all the people who work in the arts – whether as creatives, technicians, production crew or venues, especially here in Australia where right now we're winning the battle against COVID-19 in our community.”

“There are safe and communal ways to inspire audiences to re-engage and support cultural activities and the people who have spent their lives sharing their stories and their talent.”

The opening night of this Special Edition of BBFF will still be a red carpet affair, with a drink on arrival, but all social distancing regulations will be enforced.

“We're hoping that everyone will get into the spirit of things and dress up for the occasion,” says J’aimee. “There are prizes for the Best Dressed and we are encouraging people to think in advance about who they wish to sit and mingle with on the night and to create their very own BBFF Bubble by booking their tickets together.’

Tickets for BBFF's Opening Night are on sale at www.bbff.com.au

For more information about the Byron Bay International Film Festival, the program and the special events visit: www.bbff.com.au.