Epic adventure: Heard Island documentary to premiere in Ballina

A NEW documentary exploring the little-known Heard Island will premiere at the Dendy Ballina Fair on October 17.

The Great White Whale captures the spirit of an expedition that sought to conquer the island’s highest peak, Big Ben, which stands more than 500 metres taller than Mount Kosciuszko.

Filmmaker Michael Dillon’s connection to Heard Island began during his teenage years while working towards his Duke of Edinburgh Award, a youth development program focused on adventure, skill-building and community service.

“Doing the Duke of Ed kindled my love of outdoor adventure and when I heard that my mentor Warwick Deacock was planning to voyage to Heard Island I was super excited,” Dillon said.

The film delves into the history of Heard Island, named after Cornelia Heard, who first sighted it while sailing in the Southern Ocean.

Once a thriving hub for sealers, Heard Island’s wildlife was nearly wiped out due to exploitation.

Australia took possession of Heard Island in 1947, making Big Ben its highest peak.

The documentary chronicles the 1963 expedition led by Dr Grahame Budd and Warwick Deacock, who became obsessed with climbing Big Ben, likening their challenge to Captain Ahab’s pursuit of Moby Dick.

Dillon was drawn to the story and volunteered to help prepare the yacht for the journey.

“I have been an adventure filmmaker for 50 years now and knew while I still could that I had to tell this almost crazy story of the 10 men who sailed for months through the world’s roughest seas with no toilet on board, intent upon climbing this remote volcano, Australia’s highest peak,” Dillon said.

“It’s an extraordinary and often humorous tale told and sung by some of the extraordinary men who took part.”

Dillon highlights the remarkable individuals involved in the expedition, describing them as “possibly the brightest boatload ever to set sail”, with a diverse range of talents and backgrounds.

The crew included renowned explorer Bill Tilman and distinguished educator Tony Hill, among others.

With a powerful soundtrack composed by Paul Jarman, the film aims to resonate emotionally with viewers.

The Great White Whale has already garnered several international awards, including the Grand Prize at the International Mountain and Adventure Film Festival in Bilbao, Spain.

“It’s won awards in both Europe and Asia now which shows the story is so powerful that it transcends language issues,” Dillon said.

“In our few screenings in Australia so far it was nice to twice have people get up from their seats as soon as it ends and say ‘that’s the best adventure documentary I have ever seen.'”

Dillon will introduce the film and participate in a Q&A session with editor Michael Balson and sound designer Michael Worthington.

Don’t miss the premiere of The Great White Whale at 6.30pm on October 17 at the Dendy Ballina Fair.

For ticketing and more information, visit michaeldillonfilms.com.au.