The Whale in the Tree Documentary @ Victa Cinemas
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. This showing is at Victa Cinemas.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.
Date
Friday 19 June 2026 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (UTC+10:30)Location
Victa Cinemas
37 Ocean Street, Victor Harbor South Australia 5211