King of the River
One man's history - An island's treasure
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🌐 Site Contents | 🔍 Search | 👥 Facebook Group | 🖼️ Exhibition | 🪪 Contact Us | ✉️ Join the Email List |
First Mainland Screening - Victa Cinema 26th July 2pm
First Mainland Screening - Victa Cinema 26th July 2pm
During the recent research into Rumbelow maritime history, I was contacted by Chris Frizell who knew the new owners of the Rumbelow fishing boat The Rambler when it was based out of Kangaroo Island. Chris, a retired merchant seaman on ketches such as the Falie and Nelcebee, also shared an article from the History Trust of SA regarding the upcoming premiere of the King of the River documentary.
The film centers on Ian King, the late Harbor Master of American River inlet, as well as colleague and mentor of Chris. The documentary has connections to towns like Victor Harbor and especially the coastal people along the trading routes across South Australia. It also captures the inevitable changes over time from working harbour to a holiday destination.
Coincidentally, Ian King's daughter Vivien Osborn now lives in Victor and has supported our efforts to screen this documentary at the Victa Cinemas in late July.
Matt Rumbelow
July Screening
July Screening
Saturday 26th July
2pm Session Victa Cinema
37-41 Ocean St, Victor Harbor SA 5211
PG rated. Run time 1hr 7min
Producer and Director, Daniel Clarke
Ad Hoc Docs
Tickets $15 per person. No freelist or concessions.
Food and drinks available for purchase at the cinema.
🎫 Book Tickets Online 🎫
https://www.victacinemas.com.au/
Limited tickets will be available at the door.
With Special Thanks to:
Daniel Clarke
Vivien Osborn
Chris Frizell
Jarrad Jenkins
Stephen Conway
Rick Norman
Michael Simmons
The King of the River documentary is a stunning visual journey into the unheralded maritime and merchant shipping history that shaped American River and Kangaroo Island. The film tells the story of the American River settlement as told by the passionate harbour master the late Mr Ian "Kingy" King and the people who knew him best.
Walkley Award-winning filmmaker Daniel Clarke interviewed Kingy during the final week of his life, following which he donated a large collection of stunning historic imagery, most of which has never been seen publicly.
Ian Kings daughter Vivien, now a Victor Harbor resident will be in attendance as will Chris Frizell, a retired merchant seaman and Ketch historian who sailed out of American River on vessels such as the Falie and Nelcebee.
King of the River Premiere - American River Hall
King of the River Premiere - American River Hall
The documentary premiered in May at American River as part of the 2025 SA History Festival and was celebrated by family and friends.
'King of the River' premiere
'King of the River' premiere
THE ISLANDER | THEISLANDERONLINE.COM.AU
Thursday, 22 May, 2025
A new documentary about a Kangaroo Island maritime legend will showcase stunning unseen footage and photographs that he donated in the final week of his life. Harbour Master Ian King governed the American River wharf for some 50 years, during which he documented a lifetime of industry at the hub of the small but vital town that helped open up Kangaroo Island.
Kingy's ambition to share his knowledge and archives to educate the public will become a reality during screenings at the American River Community Hall as part of the SA History Festival from May 23-25. Produced and Directed by Walkley Award winning filmmaker Daniel Clarke, the documentary chronicles the history of American River primarily from the 1950s onwards, detailing its importance for the island's soldier settlers.
Daniel said the story and imagery will surprise many, while providing a heartwarming journey down memory lane for those that lived there during that time. The film encompasses the early days of the salt trade at Salt Lake near Flour Cask Bay.
"The film encompasses the early days of the salt trade at Salt Lake near Flour Cask Bay, the railway line to the old Muston Jetty, the building of the American River wharf, the advent of gypsum mining, the importance of the ketch service, the building of Ballast Head Wharf, and the creation of the oyster farm," he said.
"But this is more than just a historical film. It's a study of the man himself - a personal story of hard work, community spirit, self-made success and love of the water.
"David Rhodes and I were lucky enough to interview Kingy on multiple occasions during the final week of his life.
"His final wish was to create a documentary to ensure this knowledge and material can live on forever.
"It's a privilege to tell his story and I was honoured he trusted me with his words and precious archives. We are looking forward to sharing this important moment in a special community celebration of his life and the town."
The official trailer for the film: https://vimeo. com/1078533362
Falie and One and All under sail by John Ford.
Port Adelaide by John Ford.
Further Information
Further Information
For further information please visit the event site (above) and follow or join the Facebook groups:
Rumbelows of Encounter Bay (Victor Harbor SA)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1170480640317102
The Rumbelow Appreciation Society
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