BBC Secures "Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra" from ABC Commercial

The Australian documentary tells the story of Bangarra Dance Theatre will debut on BBC Four TV and iPlayer in 2022.

9 DEC 2021
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"Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra"

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ABC Commercial sold the highly acclaimed documentary "Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra" to the BBC, for broadcast on BBC Four TV in 2022 and will also be available on the broadcaster’s digital platform iPlayer. The BBC (UK & Ireland) sale adds to the raft of sales around the world including Sky New Zealand, SVT Sweden, YLE Finland and SRF Switzerland.

Marking Bangarra Dance Theatre’s 30th anniversary, Firestarter takes the audience through the company’s birth and spectacular growth, recognising Bangarra’s founders and telling the story of how three young Aboriginal brothers — Stephen, David and Russell Page — turned the newly born dance group into a First Nations cultural powerhouse.

Globally recognised as a leading performing arts company with a distinctive theatrical voice and utterly inimitable soundscapes, music and design - Bangarra’s unique signature style encompasses authentic storytelling, outstanding technique and deeply moving performances.

Head of ABC Commercial, Jessica Ellis said “The BBC are renowned for their ability to recognize blue chip arts content and 'Firestarter' is no exception. The interest surrounding this beautiful documentary in Australia and around the world has been remarkable. We know that UK audiences will agree and embrace this stunning program from ABC Commercial’s Arts slate”.

In Films’ Managing Director and Executive Producer, Ivan O’Mahoney said: “Bangarra Dance Theatre is one of Australia’s best loved performing arts companies, with a huge following overseas, especially in North America and Europe. Bangarra tell vital stories – both ancient and modern – of Indigenous Australia in an accessible, beautiful, way. It has been a privilege to make the film and see how audiences around the world are embracing the emotional impact of their story.”