Thanks to the efforts of Dubbo’s own extraordinary non-profit breast cancer charity, Pink Angels Inc, an important documentary film about the insidious disease that has claimed so many lives has screened in Dubbo.

For one afternoon only and one single screening, Dubbo residents were able to see “Conquering Breast Cancer” on Sunday, August 30.

Described by the filmmakers as “a hopeful documentary that sheds light on the progress made and the work still to be done in the breast cancer space, with inspiring stories of lived experience and professional insights,” the film deeply resonates with audiences here and in the 64 other screening locations around the country.

Pink Angels’ president Sue Gavenlock is proud that her organisation helped bring the 90-minute documentary to Dubbo.

“It's an incredibly, incredibly important film for regional Australia, and I'm thrilled that Dubbo's been given the opportunity to see it on the big screen,” she told Dubbo Photo News prior to the screening.

“It'll be fantastic to see a film that brings together science, research, medical expertise, and the real stories of people who have experienced breast cancer. It deliberately combines medical insights with personal stories and survivor experience.

Sue saw the film being promoted online and reached out to the producers to see if it could screen locally in Dubbo. They said yes, and the rest is history.

“People in regional communities like Dubbo, we deserve access to the same important conversations, information, and inspiration as people in our capital cities,” Sue added.

“Breast cancer affects so many people, so many families in our community, and this film will give us the opportunity to learn and to understand, and importantly, to start and have conversations that could potentially save lives.”

Produced by multi-award-winning filmmakers and impact film pioneers Mike Hill and Sue Collins, Conquering Breast Cancer is the third instalment in a series of documentaries about cancer and boasts a treasure trove of incredible stories captured across Australia, from cities and regional centres to remote communities. Seeing the film that took 10 years to make “out in the world and doing some good” is very pleasing to the filmmakers.

“Getting the film out to audiences in every nook and cranny in Australia is so important to help people better understand what they can do for themselves with regard to breast cancer,” Sue Collins told Dubbo Phot News.

Presenter Sue Collins takes the audience beyond the statistics to discover how remarkable Australians are changing the world. Weaving together powerful survivor stories, including Olympian Raelene Boyle AM, MBE, basketball champion Paul Maley, and podcaster Dr Charlotte Tottman, the film is supported by insights from leading medical experts including Professor Bruce Mann, Professor Kelly-Anne Phillips and A/Professor Christine Chaffer, that highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, treatment, research, clinical trials and the psychological impact this disease has on survivors.

“Initially the idea for it came to us through a young woman who was exploring her pathway for being at high risk for breast cancer, and then the project sort of broadened out to look at breast cancer more broadly,” she said.

Feedback from those who have seen the film indicated the personal stories of survivors and those dealing with the disease really resonated with audiences, she added.

The Pink Angels hope the screening prompts more local to have those important conversations with loved ones about breast health and regular checks.

This is particularly important as breast cancer can impact any human with breasts, including males and people of all ages.