There’s something magical about watching the sunrise from Bondi Beach, as waves crash over the pool’s edge and dedicated swimmers brave the elements. Now, acclaimed Australian filmmaker Ian Darling has captured this enduring tradition in his latest documentary, “The Pool” – a tribute to the Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club.
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For locals, the Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club, established in 1929, represents nearly a century of community spirit. Its legacy lives on not just in the lap lanes, but in the small museum that preserves its rich history.
Darling’s film, shot over twelve months, dives deep into the stories of those who keep this tradition alive, revealing how a swimming club evolved into the heart of Bondi’s year-round community.
Darling emphasises that the pool’s significance extends far beyond its function as a swimming venue, noting its crucial role in fostering and maintaining community mental health. His lens captures the fascinating characters who make Icebergs what it is – including two mates who meet religiously at 6:47 am every morning, rain, hail or shine.
The documentary presents familiar faces and stories that many Bondi locals will recognise. Unlike Darling’s previous works, including “The Final Quarter” and “Paul Kelly — Stories of Me,” this film let its subjects choose themselves, organically capturing the authentic spirit of our beloved institution.
For those who’ve ever wondered about the stories behind the faces they see doing their morning laps, “The Pool” offers an intimate glimpse into how this ocean pool has become a sanctuary for so many. From the weekly drain and clean to the way waves naturally fill the 50-metre pool, the film celebrates the unique features that make it special.
As many locals already know, Icebergs serve as more than just a swimming spot – it’s a place of healing, refuge, and community connection. Darling’s film reinforces what winter swimmers have known since 1929: that these gathering places are vital to our collective wellbeing.
“The Pool” is now showing in select cinemas across Australia, offering Bondi residents a chance to see their historic winter swimming club through a new lens, while celebrating the community that has made it truly special for nearly 95 years.
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Don’t miss this intimate portrait of the neighbourhood’s most iconic institution – where every sunrise brings new stories, and every lap continues a tradition almost as old as Bondi itself.
Published 22-November-2024
