Girls Can't Surf
Film
Passionate, poignant and compelling: the story of three Indigenous brothers (the Pages) who took a newly born Australian dance company and turned it into a First Nations cultural powerhouse.
Marking Bangarra Dance Theatre’s 30th anniversary, Firestarter tells the story of Bangarra’s birth and spectacular growth through the eyes of the brothers and company alumni. This captivating documentary 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. Featuring authentic storytelling, technique and deeply moving performances, combined with inimitable soundscapes, candid interviews (including Sydney Festival’s Wesley Enoch and Sydney Dance Company’s Graeme Murphy) and a treasure trove of archival footage. Bangarra’s spectacular rise and triumph against the odds was not without tragedy, an aspect that Firestarter portrays with honesty and sensitivity.
Directed by Wayne Blair (The Sapphires, Top End Wedding) and Nel Minchin (Matilda & Me, Making Muriel), this cinematic documentary, winner of Adelaide Film Festival’s Documentary Award, is ultimately a tale of pride, heartbreak, adversity and empowerment – with the transformative strength of Indigenous dance at its centre.
Runtime: 96 mins
See the full SFF Summer Season at the State line-up
VenuePerformance TimesTicketing and PricingReserved Full Price – $24
Reserved Concession – $18.50
+ booking fee
Please note that paired seats cannot be split, therefore if you are after a single seat please select a seat that is on its own.
If you are after other configurations, please contact the Sydney Festival office during business hours.
AccessibilityAssistive Listening
The State Theatre has a hearing loop located in the Mezzanine. Optimal seats in the Mezzanine are Row G seats 13-44.
Important InfoFace masks are mandatory at all Sydney Festival events for all patrons 13 years and older, in line with NSW Government regulations. A face mask is required at all times while inside foyers, theatres and outdoor venues, including during performances. Children 12 and under are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.
Content warning: This film contains scenes or themes of suicide that some audience members may find disturbing. Viewer discretion advised.
Latecomers may be seated in seats other than their allocated seat.
Cast and CreditsWayne Blair is a Batjala, Mununjali, Wakkawakka man born in 1971 in Taree. He is an actor, writer, director and producer in film, television and theatre. His previous feature films include The Sapphires (2012), Septembers of Shiraz (2015) and Top End Wedding (2019). He has also worked extensively in television with credits including Redfern Now, Cleverman and Mystery Road.
Nel Minchin has worked for a wide variety of companies including Fremantle Media, ABC and Google Creative Labs. She has produced ABC series such as Aunty Donna and Fully Furnished and directed Matilda & Me (2016) and Making Muriel (2017).
Director & Writer Wayne Blair
Director & Writer Nel Minchin
Producer Ivan O'Mahoney
Distributed by Icon Film Distribution
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