The Firework Code
A SHORT DOCUMENTARY ON LEWES BONFIRE BY MILLIE DOBRES
https://vimeo.com/10https://vimeo.com/102493573624935736?=copy#t=0
Lewes Bonfire is arguably the world’s biggest, most anarchic Bonfire night celebration. But what drives it? Tradition, religion, rebellion, or something else entirely?
Director of The Firework code Millie Dobres – Pic by David McHugh / Brighton Pictures 07768 721637
Local filmmaker Millie Dobres has created a short documentary exploring this unique event – which has taken place every November 5th in Lewes for over 150 years -through characters involved in Bonfire.
The Firework Code will be screened at Depot Cinema in Lewes on Sunday 10th November at noon – tickets areavailable from Depot’s website: https://lewesdepot.org
The 20 minute film looks at the meaning of Lewes Bonfire, by talking to the people behind it, ‘the Bonfire boys and girls’.Audiences are invited to question the tendency to judge what we don’t yet understand, and as the documentary progresses it becomes clear that behind the perceived mayhem and madness, lies a human need for connection and belonging that draws people to take part in the event.
Director Millie Dobres commented, “Lewes Bonfire Night was something I’d always accepted as ‘normal’. It wasn’t until I went to university that I realised how it can seem outlandish and confusing to other people who don’t know Lewes. This led me to question my own understanding of Lewes Bonfire Night and to try to uncover its meaning. Why do Lewesians spend a year preparing for an event that takes place primarily on just one day. What’s driving them?’
Interviewee, Anthropologist Wendy Fornarow explains:“Understanding Bonfire is all about context and intention.”
Dobres has teamed up with experienced Director of Photography, Alisdair Livingstone, to make this film possible. They met working for the Brighton-based production company, Blast Films, and decided to embark on this project. Others involved are Director of Photography, Jonathan Stow and Editor, Giovanni La Rosa.
