Fire Rabbit

Director's Statement

Fire Rabbit comes from a very special place in my heart. It is a labour of love for my grandfather, George. He used to regale me with truly wonderful stories of his childhood in Wangaratta; leeches sticking to his legs, going into town with his father to sell produce, hunting rabbits with ferrets… What always stuck out to me was the unique perspective he had as a Chinese person, growing up as a total minority in a society that totally rejected him. I was fascinated with the image of a little Chinese kid running through the Australian bush, how that clashed with the distinctly white perspective that permeated throughout colonial Australian art. I wanted to represent the dichotomy of Australiana, how it can be simultaneously beautiful and enchanting, yet so hostile and grotesque. By taking inspiration from Pa’s stories, Sam was born. He’s young, bold, and naive. Ignorant to the harsh realities of his world, Sam pushes his stepfather just a little too far. Thus, he is thrust into the thick of things, way outside his comfort zone. A little kid, expected to do impossibly adult things. When I was young, I’d imagine myself in Pa’s shoes, the expectations placed upon him were far beyond his level of maturity. But he’d stick it out, and with the help of his siblings, survive. The film has a wonderful painterly texture blended with a rollercoaster story. Our cast embodied our characters with so much spirit. I’m very excited for Sam’s story to be seen.