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  • A Fire Inside: Documentary Education Resources

    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.

Watching the film

Before teaching the lessons, ensure you have watched the feature documentary ‘A Fire Inside’, rated MA15+ and have gained approval from parents and guardians before viewing the documentary or specific excerpts.

To view the film you can rent or purchase an online copy from Google Play, Apple TV, Prime Video, or Ritz at home.

Handling sensitive topics

Students may develop heightened emotions and discomfort during the film whilst learning about the psychological effects and impact the fires had on animals, people, families, communities, and the country. It is recommended that you direct students to a school counsellor if they require additional support and read through the Handling Sensitive Topics and Issues: Handling Sensitive Topics and Issues.

Unit

Secondary lessons

With thanks to our partner

These resources have been developed in partnership with Finch. Founded in 2011, Finch is an independent film production company that makes meaningful, beautifully crafted documentaries, television and feature films of lasting significance.