The Collection

Sydney Stories Films

“These films are fantastic – entertaining and educational – you have done our city proud!”

Clover Moore, Lord Mayor, City of Sydney.

Sydney Stories Films

A series of twelve documentary films on aspects of Sydney. 

Approximately 15 – 20 minutes long.

Devised, scripted and narrated by Warren Fahey with final edit design by Mic Gruchy. 

Sydney Stories was created with assistance from the City of Sydney Creative Fellowships Fund and the support of The Vine Foundation. The grants were under the auspice of the Folk Federation of New South Wales. A collaboration with the National Film & Sound Archive.

A Convict’s Tour of Hell

Convict transportation, settlement, punishment and features the story of Frank ‘The Poet’ Macnamara.

Larrikins, Louts & Layabouts 

About the wild gangs of Sydney including the cabbage tree mobs, larrikin pushes and later youth tribes.

Ratbags & Rabble-rousers 

Sydney’s Domain has a history as a showcase for eccentrics, radical speakers, tightrope walkers, sporting matches, demonstrations and Australia’s first aerial ascension. 

The Flash Mob 

An overview of Sydney’s ‘high life’ down through the decades from the Lord Mayor’s 1844 Fancy Dress Ball to dancing at the Trocadero and 1950s nightclubs.

Take Me Up The Harbour 

An unusual snapshot of the city’s maritime history of transport, amusement and function as a working harbour. 

Till Death Do Us Part 

How Sydney has buried its dead – a fascinating funeral procession.

Showies & Sideshow Alley 

The Sydney Show – where the country comes to town – and especially the curios of Sideshow Alley.

A Celestial Harvest 

A snapshot of Sydney’s Chinese community and how they coped with persecution and harassment to emerging as a success story of multiculturalism.

Beats, Bards & Bongos 

Stories from the Sydney Push and early folk revival, a subculture popularised by critical thinking and ‘critical drinking’. 

Billy-carts, Hopscotch and Razzle-dazzles 

How Sydney children have amused themselves over the years.

Kings-bloody-Cross 

A social history of Kings Cross entertainment from the high life to the low life, and explains why the suburb remains such a special part of the Sydney story.

Twenty Ways to Love Sydney 

A curious look at colloquial expressions, folklore and other nonsense relating to Sydneysiders and the Emerald City.