The Whale in the Tree Documentary @ Middleton Pioneer Hall
Location
Middleton Pioneer Hall
About
The Whale in the Tree is a 40-minute documentary that follows the extraordinary journey of an ancient fallen red gum tree from rural South Australia to its transformation into a monumental public artwork on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
The story begins in Middleton, where residents voted to bring more joy to their community through art. When a fallen red gum tree was discovered on a property near Naracoorte, Middleton resident Jen Watts recognised the unmistakable form of a whale within the timber. Sculptor Silvio Apponyi was invited to assess whether that vision could be realised — and confirmed it could.
What followed was a remarkable community effort involving cranes, chainsaws, grants, fundraising and ceremony. Over many months, the tree was carefully prepared, transported, and carved into Buttons and Bobby — a Southern Right Whale mother and calf — now resting near the waters where these magnificent creatures return each winter to give birth and nurture their young.
This film is a story of imagination, collaboration, Country and care — and of seeing possibility where others see only what has fallen.
The story begins in Middleton, where residents voted to bring more joy to their community through art. When a fallen red gum tree was discovered on a property near Naracoorte, Middleton resident Jen Watts recognised the unmistakable form of a whale within the timber. Sculptor Silvio Apponyi was invited to assess whether that vision could be realised — and confirmed it could.
What followed was a remarkable community effort involving cranes, chainsaws, grants, fundraising and ceremony. Over many months, the tree was carefully prepared, transported, and carved into Buttons and Bobby — a Southern Right Whale mother and calf — now resting near the waters where these magnificent creatures return each winter to give birth and nurture their young.
This film is a story of imagination, collaboration, Country and care — and of seeing possibility where others see only what has fallen.