Mullumbimby's Magic, Part 3: The Arts - Film Screening

In the 1970s-80s, the area around Mullumbimby and the Byron Shire hosted the birth of a multitude of alternative practices and ideals. Many of these practices are mainstream today, but originated from a phenomenal convergence of alternative-seeking new settlers who descended on the Rainbow Region. Award–winning filmmaker Sharon Shostak’s mother was one of them.

The Brunswick Valley Historical Society Inc had the vision to commission Sharon to interview these early settlers, now turned eccentric elders, and the result was the wildly successful: Mullumbimby's Madness - the Legacy of the Hippies. Enthused by the community’s interest, the Mullumbimby's Magic - the Culture of the 70s-80s series was embarked upon, and they are now ready to release the final film in this three-part series: that of the ground-breaking creatives.

Part three - The Arts looks at the evolution of the first music venues - the Arts Factory, the Music Farm, Fowlers Lane and the famous Moondances, the first outdoor concert in Byron, the popularity and pitfalls of the small country halls, and the first World Music promoter. The Bush Telegraph newspaper that predates The Echo, and the incredible story of how the community hand-built their "hippie hall". The Chincogan Fiesta which took over Mullumbimby in September, how the first Arts Gallery evolved with the first artists, the first filmmakers and photographers, and the first music club/craft centre. The first candlemaker turned glassblower selling at the first markets, the proliferation of theatre groups, featuring the Non-Specific Players and the Federal Theatre Co, with talented technicians, actors and gender blenders - all amazing stories told by those who were there, with rare archival images and illuminated in Sharon Shostak’s famously entertaining style.

Tickets are limited due to restrictions, only available online, and for ages 13 and over. Masks for indoor events are recommended.