You can now watch Black Summer short Inferno on SBS On Demand

Inferno

Samuel Rodwell’s award-winning short film Inferno is now available to stream on SBS On Demand.

Going beyond the media blockade of the 2018 Mount Canobolas and 2019-20 Black Summer mega-fires first-hand, Inferno captures the volunteer firefighters who fought against all odds protecting their communities from total annihilation.

The release falls on the fifth anniversary when the 2018 Mount Canobolas bushfire ignited which served as the first block of filming on Inferno, while providing the basis for the experiential story. “The idea to release Inferno on the anniversary of the 2018 fire came from SBS, which I thought is quite poetic and perfect for the broadcast and streaming launch,” Rodwell said.

Filming continued on the ambitious production during the historic 2019-20 Black Summer mega-fires, serving as the final block for shooting and concluding two years of principal photography. Following more than 12-months of post-production, Inferno wowed audiences across the international 2021-22 film festival circuit upon release, screening at Academy Award® qualifying St Kilda Film Festival and Cinequest Film Festival to note.

Inferno proved successful in attracting numerous awards and nominations, perhaps most renowned for winning Best Documentary (Academy Award® accreditation), Best Achievement in Sound Post Production and nominated for Best Achievement in Cinematography at St Kilda Film Festival.

“We were simply floored when Inferno crossed our desk at the time. It immediately stood out as a remarkable achievement. It’s rare to see a film with such immediate power, first-hand drama, danger, and capturing these unique human stories in the moment,” Director of St Kilda Film Festival, Richard Sowada recalled.

Inferno also found recognition at the Antenna Documentary Film Festival where the film was nominated for Best Australian Short Documentary.

Rodwell commented: “It has been an absolute privilege screening Inferno at film festivals around the country and internationally.

I am incredibly grateful worldwide audiences have embraced and connected with Inferno, especially since the film is unconventional in its approach. To have our hard work recognised, including the firefighters on screen, is truly meaningful.

This is an exciting milestone for Inferno now accessible across SBS On Demand and broadcast for local audiences to discover and reflect upon the work our volunteer firefighters do for community.”

Inferno is directed and produced by Samuel Rodwell, in collaboration with the NSW Rural Fire Service, with Orange Regional Arts Foundation granting funding towards production and post-production.

Inferno is broadcasting across Special Broadcasting Service during the daytime and streaming across SBS On Demand.