Australia’s most accomplished documentary filmmaker, Michael Dillon AM ACS FRGS, is coming to Yarraville this week for a screening of his multi-award-winning documentary, The Great White Whale.
The iconic film documents the real-life story of the first adventurers to successfully climb Australia’s highest peak Big Ben (a smoking glacier-ringed volcano located deep in the wild Southern Ocean), an expedition that celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
Also celebrating a significant anniversary this year is Dillon himself, with 2025 his 50th year as an adventure filmmaker.
To mark the milestone, Thursday night’s screening of The Great White Whale at the Sun Theatre will double as an award ceremony, with Dillon to be presented the ‘Lifetime of Adventure’ award by the Australian Geographic Society in honour of his half century of documentary making.
“Documenting adventure isn’t just about recording achievements – it’s about capturing the human spirit at its most extraordinary,” said Dillon reflecting on his career.
“From Sir Edmund Hillary’s expeditions to climbing Everest from sea level, I’ve had the privilege of sharing stories that inspire the next generation of explorers.”
Dillion will expand on filming Hillary and other adventurers such as Tim Macartney-Snape and Greg Mortimer who in 1984 became the first Australian’s to climb the world’s highest peak, in a Q&A session held after the screening and awards ceremony.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend and celebrate Dillion’s remarkable career at the Sun Theatre from 6.30pm to 9pm on February 6.
For more information and bookings: suntheatre.com.au
Cade Lucas.
