A filmmaker has produced a documentary exploring Sussex’s most famous bonfire. Millie Dobres, a filmmaker from Lewes, has created a short documentary exploring Lewes Bonfire, an event which has been taking place in the town for more than150 years. The Firework Code is a 20-minute film which looks at the meaning of Lewes Bonfire by talking to the people behind it – “the bonfire boys and girls”.
Millie said: “Lewes Bonfire Night was something I’d always accepted as ‘normal’. It wasn’t until I went to university that I realised how it can seem outlandish and confusing to other people who don’t know Lewes. “This led me to question my own understanding of Lewes Bonfire Night and to try to uncover its meaning.
Why do Lewesians spend a year preparing for an event that takes place primarily on just one day. What’s driving them?” Dobres teamed up with director of photography Alisdair Livingstone, who she met working for the Brighton-based production company Blast Films. Others involved are director of photography Jonathan Stow and editor Giovanni La Rosa.
The Firework Code will be screened at the Depot Cinema in Lewes on Sunday, November 10, at noon..