Film Premiere - Orange to Blue Skies

Two young people from Hunter Valley explore mining’s past/future, finding stories of impact and imagining what might fill a void ahead.

In collaboration with Newcastle University, The Singleton Arts + Cultural Centre are pleased to screen the film premiere of Orange to Blue Skies alongside the Gordon Rintoul - Lost Landscapes exhibition.

Join us for an afternoon screening, panel discussion and viewing of the Lost Landscapes exhibition.

Film synopsis:

This experimental film follows two young people from the Hunter Valley, Australia, as they journey into the world of mining. Using their mobile phones, they set out to discover what the future might hold for a vast hole in the ground, and for the people of this mining country, whose lives have been built around it. Along the way, they encounter stories of both benefit and destruction, deepening their understanding of past decisions, community sentiment, and the forces that have shaped — and will continue to shape — this place. Through philosophical conversations, creative imaginings, and bold discoveries, the film weaves together the possibility of a different future, pondering the question: what will fill the void left behind after mining?

Gordon Rintoul - Lost Landscapes:

Lost Landscapes offers a captivating journey through the defining moments of the late Gordon Rintoul’s extraordinary 60-year career. This retrospective not only traces the evolution of his artistic practice but also celebrates the enduring influence of his passion for artmaking and teaching across the Hunter region. Through these works, audiences are invited to contemplate the deep and dynamic connection between humanity and the natural world.

The film will be followed by a Panel Discussion facilitated by Hedda Askland

Panel: Samuel Fallding (Film), Esha Ferguson (Film), Kerri-Ann Taggart (Wonnarua), Myles Egan and Sophie Nichols

Bios:

Hedda Haugen Askland is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at The University of Newcastle. She is the Chief Investigator of the Australian Research Council funded project Mining voids and just transition: reimagining post-mining landscapes, of which this film is part.

Samuel Fallding grew up in Singleton and brings local experience of a mining region into the film’s exploration of post-mining futures. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Newcastle, with a view to working in environmental restoration and management of mined landscapes in the Hunter Valley. Samuel films on a Nokia 6120 classic (2007).

Esha Ferguson grew up in and around Awaba, otherwise known as Lake Macquarie. The presence of the nearby Eraring power station has been formative in shaping her engagement with the world of fossil fuel energy production and continues to influence her path as she steps from high school into her studies towards a Diploma of Outdoor Leadership.

Kerri-Ann Taggart is a Wonnarua digital artist from the Hunter Valley who lives in Singleton. Kerri-Ann’s work carries a strong focus on cultural storytelling, youth engagement and community collaboration.

Sophie Nichols is a local farmer in Singleton and PhD student at the University of Newcastle. Through her PhD, Sophie examines elder land and landscape protection in the Hunter Valley, exploring specifically questions around legacy, stewardship and place attachment.

Myles Egan is a Singleton based PhD candidate at the University of Newcastle, studying how local people in coal-mining regions experience and respond to economic and environmental change

Light refreshments will be provided

Artwork by Mia Bryant