STEPHEN PAGE

MENTOR | film

Born in Brisbane, Stephen Page belongs to the Nunukal/Ngugi of Qandamooka Peoples and Munaldjali of Yugambeh Nation in Southeast Queensland. His journey as an artist began amid the vibrant backdrop of his ancestral lands, fostering a deep-rooted passion for storytelling and performance.

From 1991 to 2023, Stephen served as the Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre, a tenure marked by groundbreaking contributions to Australian performing arts. Through Bangarra, he curated a distinctive body of work, reimagining First Peoples storytelling and showcasing Indigenous narratives on a global stage. Stephen's directorial vision extended beyond traditional dance, as evidenced by his collaborations with various performing arts companies, including his direction of the Indigenous segments of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

In addition to his profound work in dance, Stephen has made significant strides in the realm of film. His directorial debut, Spear, premiered at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival in 2015, captivating audiences with its powerful portrayal of Indigenous culture. He further showcased his directorial skills with the chapter ‘Sand’ in the feature film The Turning (2013), seamlessly blending dance and storytelling on the cinematic canvas.

Stephen has also lent his choreographic talents to acclaimed feature films such as Bran Nue Dae(2009) and TheSapphires(2011). Through his multidisciplinary approach, he continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, seamlessly weaving Indigenous storytelling into the fabric of contemporary cinema.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the arts, Stephen has garnered a multitude of accolades and honors. In 2016, he was bestowed with both the NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award and the JC Williamson Award, affirming his status in Australian arts and culture. His tireless dedication earned him the Australia Council Dance Award in 2017 and culminated in his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

Despite his numerous achievements, Stephen remains grounded in his roots, drawing inspiration from the richness of First Nations culture. He says, “Acknowledging the past, creative thinking in the present and the evolution of strong hopeful images of the future” is how he ensures his creative process resonates with profound cultural significance.

Stephen offers some sage advice to aspiring filmmakers. “Love and be happy and enjoy what you do,” he says. “Be truthful in the story. Be bold. Take risks. Always listen. Keep hungry for knowledge. Take care of your confidence. Respect others. Respect yourself. Be honest about your craft artistically. Be original.”

WRITTEN BY JACK BAILEY