Illuminated by Fire

As part of Illuminated by Fire, filmmaker and social historian Malcolm McKinnon has produced a series of short films that aim to stimulate historical learning for individuals, for local communities and for government.

The films tell a range of genuinely illuminating stories about difficult truths associated with living in some of the most fire-prone places on the planet. As well, they seek to challenge the recurrent amnesia that creates an element of “predictable surprise” in our response to bushfires.

These little films aim to reveal a wealth of knowledge, experience and imagination that needs to become more commonly held.

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Malcolm McKinnon is an Australian artist and filmmaker working mainly in rural communities. Over the past 15 years, his work has encompassed oral history, urban planning, public and community art projects, critical writing and exhibitions. His current practice is mainly focused around documentary filmmaking and social history, motivated by an appreciation of living memory and local vernacular.

Films by Malcolm McKinnon - Cultural Exchange

The story of the fire finch

6th June 2011

In Arts, Community, Cultural Exchange, Education, Environment, Story Telling, Victorian Bushfires

Lennie Hayes relates the dreamtime story of how the fire finch first brought fire to the Kurnai / Gunai people of Gippsland in eastern Victoria.

Cleansing smoke

5th October 2010

In Arts, Community, Cultural Exchange, Education, Environment, Story Telling, Victorian Bushfires

Bruce Baxter is an Aboriginal man of Wiradjuri descent, living near Swan Hill in northern Victoria. For many years Bruce has performed smoking ceremonies intended to cleanse the spirit of people and places. Here, Bruce tells how he came to be a “keeper of the smoke” and explains why he performs these ceremonies.

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Acceptable Risk

10th September 2010

In Arts, Community, Cultural Exchange, Education, Environment, Recovery, Story Telling, Victorian Bushfires

Dianne Simmonds is captain of the Country Fire Authority at Christmas Hills on the outskirts of Melbourne. Like many other locals, she moved to this area attracted by the bush and the semi-rural lifestyle. She understands however that bushfire is an ever-present hazard. Here, she weighs up the risks associated with making a home in this kind of environment.

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Agni, God of Fire

8th September 2010

In Arts, Community, Cultural Exchange, Education, Environment, Recovery, Story Telling, Victorian Bushfires

Archana Patney is an Indian woman now living in Swan Hill in northern Victoria. A practising Hindu, she is committed to maintaining some traditional rituals within her new Australian environment. Here, Archana demonstrates the making of a rangoli, explaining as she does so the importance of Agni, the Hindi god of fire.

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Illuminated by Fire