The Whale in the Tree

The Whale in the Tree is a lively 40‑minute documentary that tracks the unbelievable journey of an ancient fallen red gum tree as it travels from rural South Australia to its rebirth as a giant public artwork on the Fleurieu Peninsula. This special screening takes place at Victa Cinemas.

The adventure kicks off in Middleton, where locals voted to bring more joy to their town through art. When a fallen red gum near Naracoorte was discovered, Middleton resident Jen Watts spotted something magical hidden in the timber, the unmistakable shape of a whale. Sculptor Silvio Apponyi was called in to see if the vision could become reality, and he gave it a resounding yes.

What followed was a community-powered epic involving cranes, chainsaws, grants, fundraising and heartfelt 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 by the very waters where these gentle giants return each winter to give birth and raise their young.

This film is a celebration of imagination, teamwork and community spiri