It’s known as the most photographed pool in the world, now Sydney’s Bondi Icebergs Club is being showcased in a new documentary film.
The Pool, directed by Ian Darling, was filmed over the course of a year in and around the famous swimming location.
The documentary takes a deep dive into the lives and experiences of those who visit the pool most frequently.
Opening in 1929, Bondi Icebergs has long been a popular destination for swimmers and tourists in Sydney. The 50-metre pool, totally open to the elements, is filled by the waves at Bondi Beach and requires a weekly drain and clean.
Sydney’s Bondi Icebergs pool is a gathering place for the community on sunny days. (Supplied: Ian Darling)
The sparkling aquamarine jewel in Sydney’s coastal crown, the pool in more recent years has become a go-to destination for photo-hungry Instagram influencers.
But Darling says the pool is much more than just a hotspot for those looking to post on their social media feeds. He says the film aims to explore how the pool provides a sense of community to the people who cherish it most.
“I think coming out of COVID, it highlighted the importance of community even more”, he told ABC News Breakfast.
“We’re very social people and we yearn for connection.
The Pool aims to explore how Bondi Icebergs is a symbol of inclusivity, healing and resilience for the club’s community. (Supplied: Ian Darling)
“I was down at the Icebergs one day and a friend of mine said, ‘How about using this as a platform for making a film?’ And it just seemed this beautiful place that showed this connected community and something we’re all yearning for.”
Director Ian Darling says the film explores the significance of routine for many of the club’s members. (Supplied: Ian Darling)
Darling says the film also examines the significance of routine for many of the club’s members.
“It’s a daily ritual — and there are a couple of wonderful friends in the film who meet at 6:47am every morning — on the dot.
“Routine is very important. Whether you’re with a group of cyclists, or you’re a book club that gets together regularly. You know, people need this sense of purpose and the fact that they’re relying on each other and are going to turn up.”
Darling says the subjects of The Pool ended up choosing themselves. (Supplied: Ian Darling)
Darling has been making documentaries for more than 20 years, including The Final Quarter (2019) and Paul Kelly — Stories of Me (2012). But he says what makes The Pool different is that the subjects of the film ended up choosing themselves.
“There was a character dealing with mental health issues and depression and he wanted to tell that story. And another dealing with ovarian cancer, she wanted to share her story. And others who were volunteers.
“They’re very important people in these places. Couple of the old guys who were there volunteering for 45 years. We chose the characters more by the themes. We wanted to see the broadness.”
The Bondi Icebergs pool is filled by waves from Bondi beach. (Supplied: Ian Darling)
Darling says for the cast of characters who populate the club, the pool represents a place of healing and refuge.
“It’s not just about swimming, it’s about the mental health of a community. I think that the film sort of shows how important it is for the strength and the mental health of a community. We need each other. We need these gathering places.”
The Pool is now playing at limited cinemas around Australia.
