Spring Flames

The Ballantynes' Department Store fire in November 1947 claimed 41 lives and left a lasting scar on Christchurch — the city’s biggest single disaster until the 2011 earthquake. The events of that spring day are explored in this short film which intersperses archive footage with a fictional account of workers and customers in the tailoring department as the dramas of everyday life are suddenly overwhelmed. It was directed by Aileen O’Sullivan, shot by Alun Bollinger and made with the NZ Drama School graduating class of 2002 (with music by Gareth Farr).

Key Cast & Crew

Aileen O'Sullivan

Writer, Director, Producer

Des Pointon

As: Doorman

Peter Wilson (actor)

As: Dan Cleary

Sonia Yee

As: Soo Wee

Marie Williams

As: Mrs Caruso

Lucy Wigmore

As: Gwen