Fresh from its world premiere and sell-out screenings at the 2024 Sydney Film Festival, the lucky folk of Kangaroo Valley will be next to see this wonderful film about the community of the Bondi Icebergs pool. THE POOL is a spectacular cinematic portrait of the iconic Bondi Icebergs – the pool and the people who cherish it. Breathtaking footage and a quintessential soundtrack are woven into a meditative and poetic story.
Icebergs is the most photographed pool in the world – an inviting destination for everyone from locals to tourists, beginners to competitive lap swimmers. From sunrise to sundown, rain or shine, we meet the diehard regulars recalling tales of Icebergs past and present. Ian and his team, including cinematographer Ben Cunningham, editor Sally Fryer, producer Mary Macrae and sound designer Paul Charlier, have crafted an evocative, joyous and beautiful picture of a beloved place and its community.
As you may be aware, Ian and the film crew have been in the valley over the last year, making a documentary about our special valley. It was Ian’s idea to shoot and edit two observational documentaries about community at the same time, with THE POOL being shot first, then edited while ‘The Valley’ documentary was being filmed. Hopefully this time next year, we will be inviting the community to the world premiere of The Valley! THE POOL will certainly give you a sense of the style and incredible cinematography that this talented team are bringing to these documentaries about two unique and special places and the people that gather there.
Tickets to this special community screening are $15, which include a drink (tea, coffee, beer, wine, cordial) and nibbles by Caterina before the film. All proceeds will go to the Upper River Hall. The hall will open from 4.30pm for pre-show mingling and after the screening, Ian and the crew will be there to answer questions. More information and ticketing at www.artslab.com.au or email events@artslab.com.au
The third film in our winter series is THE CARNIVAL on Saturday 3rd August. For a century, the Bell family has toured across Australia with their traveling carnival, preserving their unique legacy as they prepare each generation for succession. Now, as the next boy in line faces an uncertain future, the portrait of a lineage struggling for survival emerges, with a family fighting to preserve their traditional way of life while confronting the relentless challenges and setbacks of the modern world. Filmed over seven captivating years and capturing the most intimate moments with the Bells, this road-trip through Australia is like nothing you’ve seen before: it’s through the eyes of The Carnival.
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Sarah Butler
Artistic Director
The ARTSLAB