#home
Watch Trailer
#trailer
#about-the-film
About The Film
When a volunteer firefighter drives his car into almost certain death during the worst fires in Australian history, he does it because he ‘has a job to do’. Three months later, the fires are out but his nightmares are just beginning. What’s tormenting him however, isn’t the memory of flames. Turning a sensitive lens on the unprecedented devastation of Australia’s 2019/2020 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires, from a country-wide emergency to the astonishing stories of help that emerged, A FIRE INSIDE presents an inspirational look at the way people respond to crisis and its true cost to the human spirit.
A FIRE INSIDE is a feature length documentary filmed during Australia’s ‘Black Summer’ bushfires, following the journey of those directly and indirectly impacted by the worst fires in our history. While rebuild and recovery are ongoing, the filmmakers wish to thank everyone who bravely shared their stories. We hope their selflessness inspires others to recognise their own ‘Fire Inside’.
A FIRE INSIDE will be released in Australian cinemas October 7, 2021
“…heartbreaking moments are balanced against the idea that humans are able to be selfless and that it is through others that we are able to heal… [A Fire Inside] chooses to focus on the people rather than the fires themselves or the politics surrounding the chaos.” – FilmInk
#see-the-film
See The Film
To view cinema session times and book tickets go to flicks.com.au/movie/a-fire-inside
The film will be available on Nine and 9NOW from 9.30pm, 13th December
#the-filmmakers
Filmmakers
Justin Krook
Luke Mazzaferro
Michael Hilliard
Camilla Mazzaferro
Casey Ventura
Nick Worthington
Andrew Flakelar
“…compelling…takes a more original approach to its tragic subject” – David Stratton, The Australian
#the-book
The Book
Created to accompany the feature documentary film, A FIRE INSIDE: THE POWER OF THE HUMAN HELP REFLEX is a large format illustrated book documenting the 2019–2020 bush fires. Multi-award-winning photographer Matthew Abbott’s extraordinary images are accompanied by moving, oftentimes harrowing, first-person accounts from first responders, volunteers and residents who experienced the Black Summer bush fires. With a foreword by Commissioner for Resilience NSW and 2021 NSW Australian of the Year Shane Fitzsimmons and especially commissioned essays that explore the human help reflex, this is a compelling account of one of Australia’s most challenging times, revealing the power and resilience of the human spirit and a nation galvanised to help.
A percentage of the originating publisher’s revenue from sales of the book will also support the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.
“Never before have we had such an awareness of what we are doing to the planet, and never before have we had the power to do something . . . The future of humanity and indeed, all life on earth, now depends on us.”
– Sir David Attenborough
“…emotion sears itself onto the screen with unshakeable power…The mood: careful, caring, sensitive and poignant. This is a movie that conjures up every sentiment expected, but also one that earns every reaction. Heartbreak and hope seesaw, and recognising that back-and-forth ride is one of the film’s canny touches.” – Concrete Playground
#give-help
Give Help
Against the backdrop of the devastating Black Summer bushfires, there was one common thread that galvanised our nation – the power of help. Disasters of this magnitude are becoming more frequent, and our communities need to be prepared. The more we proactively play our part now, the better we can be prepared for the future. If you have ever thought about how you can help, now is the time to get started. Let no age, nor gender, nor colour, nor language be a barrier because the power of help is within us all. Tap into your fire inside and click on one of our partners below to find out more ways you can help by donating or volunteering in your local community.
“If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap.
If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody else.”
Australian Resilience Corps
The Australian Resilience Corps has a mission to build Australia’s largest network of community volunteers to prepare us for fire and flood. No matter your skill set, you can make a difference. Register your interest in volunteering today, and the Australian Resilience Corps will help you get qualified and connect you with their growing community of partner organisations that can use your help.
Lifeline
If you are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping, help is available. Call the Lifeline Bushfire Recovery line on 13 HELP ( 13 43 57). Lifeline exists so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.
RFS
The NSW Rural Fire Service is the lead combat agency for bush fires in NSW and widely acknowledged as the largest volunteer fire service in the world.
GIVIT
100% of donated money received by GIVIT to support people in need is used to purchase essential items and services to help people recovering from an emergency event, or experiencing hardship due to drought, domestic and family violence, homelessness and mental health.
Waves of Wellness
Waves of Wellness Foundation is an Australian mental health charity, changing lives through innovative surf therapy support programs that address mental health and wellbeing.
Foodbank
Foodbank is Australia’s largest food relief organisation, providing more than 70% of the food rescued for food relief organisations nation-wide.
Movember
Movember Conversations gives you the confidence to have conversations with the men in your life who might be struggling.
Quest For Life
Assisting people living with the consequences of trauma to find hope, healing and peace
Blazeaid
A volunteer-based organisation that works to rebuild fences and other structures in rural Australia that have been damaged or destroyed after natural disasters such as fires and floods.
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is dedicated to the care and conservation of wild koalas, to increasing knowledge and understanding of the species and to work collaboratively to ensure their survival into the future.
Two Thumbs Wildlife Trust
Two Thumbs Wildlife Trust protects land for wildlife forever, provides enclosures for wildlife rehabilitation, provides financial support for wildlife rehabilitation, scientific research and public education.
“While the film deals with the far-reaching impacts of the worst fires in Australia’s history, its primary focus is on the remarkable volunteers behind the crisis response. It shows some of the very real personal impacts of the fires, and suggests that self-sacrifice can often be a path to healing.” – Broadsheet
#get-help
Get Help
Asking for help is not something Australians do very well. Our ‘she’ll be right’ mentality has permeated through generations. With drought, fire, floods and even a pandemic, our culture is shifting. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. It isn’t giving up – it’s refusing to give up, and help is at hand. It comes in many ways and through many people – It’s yours for the asking. So please reach out and begin a conversation. Click on one of our partners below to have someone to talk to, access supplies and services, and receive professional advice.
Lifeline
If you are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping, help is available. Call the Lifeline Bushfire Recovery line on 13 HELP ( 13 43 57). Lifeline exists so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.
GIVIT
100% of donated money received by GIVIT to support people in need is used to purchase essential items and services to help people recovering from an emergency event, or experiencing hardship due to drought, domestic and family violence, homelessness and mental health.
Waves of Wellness
Waves of Wellness Foundation is an Australian mental health charity, changing lives through innovative surf therapy support programs that address mental health and wellbeing.
Quest For Life
Featured in the film ‘A Fire Inside’, Quest For Life assists people living with the consequences of trauma to find hope, healing and peace.
Blazeaid
Featured in the film ‘A Fire Inside’, A volunteer-based organisation that works to rebuild fences and other structures in rural Australia that have been damaged or destroyed after natural disasters such as fires and floods.
Our Community Pantry
Featured in the film ‘A Fire Inside’, Our Community Pantry is a Food Rescue project that diverts food destined for landfill and makes it available and affordable, to its members in the Camden, Campbelltown, Wollondilly, Wingecarribbee and Goulburn LGA’s. Check our Facebook for details on how to sign up for a hamper.
“Inspiring in a way that the contemporaneous urgent news footage and interviews didn’t have the time to explore, A Fire Inside is a homage to those who survive and how we can learn from their willingness to set foot on a burning road to resilience.” – Reviews by Judith