The Still Point : Robert McFarlane
documentary film screening & presentation
sunday 26th APRIL '26, 2pm - 4pm
THE STILL POINT
Documentary | 27 minutes
Robert McFarlane initially made images from a simple impulse – to re-live experience.
Following the situations and individuals McFarlane was drawn to photograph, we find a body of work where the subject holds sway and a photographer for whom life, as it unfolds in front of the lens, is more powerful than any orchestrated image – where reality confounds our expectations.
Photography for McFarlane is not about photography, making images is about being in life.
Robert’s photographs pause us at vital intervals in Australia’s collective history.
The personal images connect us to common experience.
In opposition to the image of ourselves we may have, particularly regarding Australian identity, The Still Point shows us the vulnerability and strength McFarlane found in those he photographed, and the power of giving voice to “not just the front runners”.
We are presented with a world behind the veil of public life and given access to private moments and realities that would otherwise remain unknown.
The personal images and influences resound just as loudly and the consistent documentation of his son Morgan, from before his birth to after his tragic death, is a line that draws its way through the film, reminding of McFarlane’s insistence that nothing is too trivial to photograph and no one is worth passing by without finding out what they might have to show us.
followed by a special presentation and Q&A
Meet the director of this home-grown documentary to find out more about how she approached working with Robert to create this intimate insight into his life and work, and about the bits that didn’t make it into the documentary, and what has been happening since the filming and screening.
Incredibly, since Robert’s death in 2023, a stash of his unseen negatives was discovered by his family. Adelaide-based photographer Hugh Freytag has since been working with these negatives to print some of the most poignant images. Hugh will talk about his experience of working with Robert’s negatives, and will bring some prints and negatives to showcase this previously unseen work. There are just 25 seats available for this intimate screening and conversation.
About Mira Soulio & Hugh Freytag
Mira bio goes here
Hugh’s bio goes here
Visit Watermark Crossing
74 Venables Street
Maccelsfield, South Australia