The Great White Whale.

Michael Dillon’s new documentary The Great White Whale is set to make a splash across Western Australia, with screenings scheduled in several locations connected to its epic story.

Despite its name, the Great White Whale isn’t a whale but a towering mountain on Heard Island, 2000 kilometers southwest of Albany. This snowy volcanic island rises dramatically from the sea, earning its name from Mrs. Heard, who first spotted it and alerted her captain husband.

The island’s history is rich and dramatic. In the last century, sealers nearly drove its wildlife to extinction. During this period, the island’s highest peak was named Big Ben, after a notably large sealer. In 1947, the British handed over Heard Island to Australia, making Big Ben, standing 500 meters taller than Mount Kosciuszko, the country’s highest peak.

The mountain remained unconquered even after Mount Everest was first climbed in 1953. A serious attempt in 1963 by a three-man team nearly ended in tragedy, as vividly depicted in the film. Undeterred, Dr. Grahame Budd and Warwick Deacock, two members of the team, resolved to try again. Their journey, reminiscent of Captain Ahab’s obsession with Moby Dick, involved sailing through the world’s wildest seas, with Albany as their final Australian port.

Michael Dillon was a teenager at the time and knew Warwick Deacock through the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme. Dillon’s career in adventure filmmaking began when he took over the camera from Deacock during an Everest trek. Over the years, Dillon has worked on numerous projects, including the award-winning “Everest Sea to Summit.” In 2022, he received the Grand Prize for lifetime achievement from the International Federation of Mountain Film Festivals.

Dillon was drawn to the story of the Heard Island expedition due to its forgotten significance in Australian history. The film captures the spirit of the ten men who set off on the journey, many without sailing experience, including one who couldn’t swim. The expedition was led by Bill Tilman, an esteemed author and explorer, and included scholars and medical doctors who treated each other during the voyage.

The film’s soundtrack, composed by Paul Jarman, adds to its allure, and it offers a rare glimpse of Heard Island, described by an expeditioner as “a jewel.” The film’s release is timely, coinciding with the Australian Government’s plans to extend the marine protection zone around the island.

The Great White Whale has already garnered international acclaim, winning multiple awards. Western Australians will have the chance to see this captivating film at screenings in Fremantle, Busselton, Albany, and Perth throughout August. Filmmaker Michael Dillon will introduce the film and participate in Q&A sessions at select venues.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Screening Dates:

August 8: Fremantle, Luna on SX, 6:30 PM
August 12: Busselton, Orana Cinemas, 6:15 PM
August 14: Albany, Orana Cinemas, 6:30 PM
August 15: Perth, Luna Leederville, 6:30 PM
August 19: Fremantle, Luna on SX, 6:30 PM
August 20: Perth, Luna Leederville, 6:30 PM