First Nations stories, past and present, are evoked through movement and dance in an extraordinary Indigenous dance film from choreographer Stephen Page.
Moments of Indigenous Australian history are reflected and interpreted through the medium of dance, with a teenage boy in Sydney (Hunter Page-Lochard, the director’s son) as a witness, in this sensational directorial debut from Bangarra Dance Theatre director Stephen Page. Accompanied by David Page’s immersive score, combining traditional and contemporary music, it’s a complex, utterly exhilarating spectacle.
Shot across a diverse range of locations, from Kiama’s Bombo beach and the shipyards of Cockatoo Island to the forests of Arnhem Land, the performances from the Bangarra dancers range from the beautiful to the critical. Aaron Pedersen gives a harrowing performance as a troubled alcoholic man marginalised by society. Stunningly shot by Bonnie Elliott, Spear is a remarkable achievement that demands to be seen on the big screen.
Australia 2015 Dir Stephen Page 84 min
Please note, this film contains names, images or voices of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This film contains scenes viewers may find distressing.
Homeland: Films by Australian First Nations directors is supported by the Australian Government as part of the UK/Australia Season 2021-22.
Curated by the Barbican in partnership with Screen Australia. With thanks to Penny Smallacombe and Savannah Glynn-Braun (First Nations Department, Screen Australia).
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