ON Thursday 9 October, the City of Coffs Harbour’s Jetty Memorial Theatre will host a special encore screening of “The Great White Whale”, Michael Dillon’s extraordinary film chronicling one of the boldest adventure stories of the 20th century.
Far out in the Southern Ocean, between Australia and South Africa, lies Heard Island, an isolated, glacier-clad volcano that rises almost 3000 metres from the sea like a mythical beast.
In the 1960s, legendary explorer Bill Tilman led a crew of sailors and climbers in their audacious bid to reach its summit. Five times the mountain tried to defeat them, yet they returned, their resilience becoming the stuff of legend.
Dillon’s film captures the beauty and peril of this remote place, combining original expedition footage, the humour and grit of the team and a sense of wonder at the untamed world.
At its heart is a reminder of the courage that drives people to test themselves against the unknown.
Following the screening, audiences will have the opportunity to hear from Paul Jarman, the composer behind the film’s unforgettable soundtrack.
A resident of Valla, Jarman is an acclaimed composer, conductor and performer.
His career spans over 300 commissioned works, collaborations with leading ensembles worldwide, and compositions performed at landmark events including the White House, the Rugby World Cup and the United Nations Year of the Mountain.
Paul has also been a frequent collaborator with Michael Dillon, bringing depth and resonance to his films.
This special evening offers the chance to witness a rarely told chapter of Australian exploration and to gain insight into the artistry that shapes how such epic tales are remembered.
An adventure on screen, and in conversation, not to be missed.
Tickets available at jettytheatre.com.
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