Stories Of Our Town

29/05/2026

Very Excited to announce that we are having a special screening of our film "Newcastle: Generations of Pride" as part of the Lake Mac Dobbell Festival. We'll play the film as well as a Q&A with the cast and crew. Sat 13 June @ 2.30. It's free but you have to book (click the link below)
https://arts.lakemac.com.au/Events/Newcastle-Generations-of-Pride-Documentary-Screening Newcastle Pride Inc Bernie's Bar Lake Mac Arts

28/05/2026

52 years after the "Sygna" Storm it's a good time to reflect on all the storms and wrecks in Newcastle's history.

At the turn of the 19th Century, Newcastle Harbour (NSW) was the 5t...

25/05/2026

Big day interviewing for our How Coal Shaped Newcastle film. First stop was architect Barney Collins talking “subsidence” and all the technology that came to Newcastle first because of Coal. We then headed to Newcastle Herald to talk to Mathew Kelly about how Newcastle seems to get the short straw when it comes to privatisation and sell offs. Both these guys are smart and well informed, plus they know how to tell a story.. This film is taking a long time because it’s twice as big as anything we’ve made before. It’s going to be a ripper. Carnivore Films

13/05/2026

Just a reminder that Newcastle Library is holding an event tonight celebrating and unrivalled photography of Ralph Snowball. When we made our film about Ralph, the Library were so generous with their time and resources. We all love his work so much. The event is on between 6-7 upstairs. https://www.facebook.com/reel/26033139133025511
afterwards you can check out our film (if you haven't seen it) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE0ALAIebnI

1K likes, 72 comments. "RALPH SNOWBALL: Capturing Newcastle"

06/05/2026

Congratulations to Bernie's Bar and all who worked to get The Star Hotel
added to the State Heritage Listing.
So happy to play a tiny part. Long live The Star

1.3K likes. "STAR HOTEL RIOT"

03/05/2026

We'll be talking about the project at the fabulous Newcastle Art Gallery, this Wednesday.
It is sold out but there is a waiting list. So lovely to be asked.

Stories of our town: oral histories for the record A city is defined by its people, the stories they tell and a sense of place. Through film,...

28/04/2026

Thank you to the 10.000+ people who've watch our new film about Cintra House. I've had loads of message wanting to visit, to help with the restoration..... Here is the owners email. Please feel free to send her messages mailto:[email protected]
If you haven't seen the film, here it is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5jvly_tF4I

5 likes. "Cintra House, A Legacy of Love"

25/04/2026

Thank you to all that kept us safe. Lest we forget.

Fortress Newcastle was the military title given to the protection of the industries of Newcastle in WW2. Proportionately, Newcastle had far more protection t...

24/04/2026

A new film for your long weekend. Late last year we were approached by Maitland City Council and University of Newcastle Special Collections and Archives to make a film on Cintra House. We me the new owner, fell in love with her and the house. Here is a run down.

Step inside Cintra House, Maitland’s crown jewel and a sprawling 31-room Victorian Italianate masterpiece. Built in 1878 during the height of the "Boom style," this isn't just a mansion—it's a living, breathing timeline of Maitland itself.
Here’s why Cintra is more than just bricks and mortar:
• A Grand Romantic Gesture: It was originally built as a lavish "love letter" by a prominent Jewish merchant for his beloved wife.
• If These Walls Could Talk: Over the last 148 years, Cintra has lived many lives—from a prestigious family estate and a venue for legendary wild parties to a somber hospital and a bustling boarding house.
• The Supernatural Element: It is reputedly 100% haunted, carrying the whispers of its storied past in every corridor.
• Ahead of Its Time: Designed by the renowned architect J.W. Pender, the estate sits on a lush acre featuring a signature heart-shaped entrance island. Remarkably, its Victorian-era mastery of light, water, and airflow rivals the efficiency of modern sustainable homes.
A New Chapter
Today, the Blanch family holds the keys, pouring their passion into meticulously restoring "the old lady" to her former glory.
Whether you’re a fan of architectural brilliance, local heritage, or a good ghost story, Cintra’s century-and-a-half of history is a saga you won't want to miss.
Ready to see the restoration in progress? It’s a journey well worth the watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5jvly_tF4I

5 likes. "Cintra House, A Legacy of Love"

23/04/2026

Just some updates on the project and what we've been doing for the last couple of months. We've been working on our "How Coal Shaped Newcastle film and finally got 7hrs of interviews down to an incredible 2hrs. That's still going to take a few months and maybe it will be 3 seperate films. The Old Newcastle Post Office is finally being restored and we've been in filming there but that film will take another 3 years. It's like Grand Designs on steroids what's happening there. I went to China for a few weeks and saw smoke coming out of a few coal fire powers stations, the coal was probably from Newcastle but it was obvious they are quickly moving away from fossil fuels. They are already 53% EV cars (Aus 5%), solar and wind farms everywhere plus one of their hydro dams proved power for 5% of the Chinese 1.4b population.
During this same period Tony lost his father and I lost my mother, both to Alzheimer’s, which has been very hard but a relief to see them out of pain. We also got asked by Maitland City Council and University of Newcastle Special Collections and Archives to make a film about the fabulous Cintra House in Regent St Maitland. This house is stunning and its history is fascinating. That film we'll put out on our YouTube channel tomorrow. We also are working on another film and live event (more news soon) Thank you for watching our films. Please send us your ideas, although the slate is pretty full at the moment. Cheer Chit Chat Von Loopin Stab aka Glenn from Waratah. Carnivore Films