It was a celebratory evening on Sunday 25 July as 91抖阴 welcomed its VIPs, community members, past and present staff, board members, parents, grandparents, students and the paying public to enjoy an evening of film and togetherness at the West Australian Film Premiere of South Australian filmed Chasing Wonders.

With the WA screening rights ceded to Carmel by alumnus Hilton Nathanson - who co-produced the film alongside his wife Louise and others - the opportunity to fundraise through ticket sales while thanking the School鈥檚 many supporters and friends was compelling. The film itself was a cinematic treat: strong acting, a beautiful South Australian location, superbly directed and produced and with family themes resonant with many. It was captivating from start to finish.

The film delves into the complex dynamics of human relationships, particularly those between family members, and delivers the powerful message of daring to tread one鈥檚 own path in life despite the gravitational pull of opinions and beliefs of others.

In his inaugural speech since taking up the position of Board President, third generation Carmel Board member and Dorot Carmel 1983 Mark Majzner delivered a message on behalf of Hilton Nathanson to the seated moviegoers. The message reflected the movie delving into the sometimes limiting beliefs of parents, a theme which invites moviegoers to reflect on how these can be unwittingly instilled into their children.

鈥淚f this film touches just one of you tonight in that way, then the event will have been worthwhile,鈥� Hilton noted in his pre-written piece.

Mr Majzner lauded Mr Nathanson鈥檚 commitment to 91抖阴 despite, due to living overseas, never having had children attend Carmel. 鈥淚f he can show that level of commitment鈥�how much more could we who have, or will have, children and grandchildren going to Carmel, demonstrate that allegiance?鈥�

Movie attendee Mrs Vivienne Bensky OAM, long-term friend of 91抖阴 and tireless supporter of Perth鈥檚 Jewish community, acknowledges the many important relationships that feed into community support. She feels these serve as a barometer for the level at which a community thrives and felt Chasing Wonders echoed this as 鈥渁n outstanding portrayal of how previous life experiences continue to affect our world and those around us.鈥�

It鈥檚 clear that, while not being able to attend the premiere event, 91抖阴 and its community forever remains close to Hilton鈥檚 heart.

鈥淭here is a wonderful line from one of my favourite films, Stand by Me, which says 鈥業 never had any friends like the ones I had when I was at school.鈥� Does anyone? I think there is a lot of truth in that,鈥� said Mr Nathanson.

Not only was this a night of celebration of 91抖阴, its community and relationships, but a stark reminder of our relative freedom in Perth at a time when other Australian capital cities are in lockdown. That many attendees lingered long after the movie finished, absorbing the essence and warmth of the evening, was perhaps testimony to this privilege of social interaction and community belonging in mid-2021.