We Have To Live With It

About This Movie

We Have To Live With It is a raw and gritty slice of life from 1974, capturing the pulse of everyday folks in Balmain and Rozelle. The documentary, spearheaded by Tom Zubrycki, delves into the community's palpable anxiety over the port terminal looming over their lives. The residents share their thoughts on noise, pollution, and safety, weaving a tapestry of personal narratives that feel deeply grounded in their environment. The pacing is reflective, allowing you to sit with the discomfort they face. There's an authenticity in the way they express their struggles, a certain urgency that resonates even today. The practical effects here are the real voices of the community, unvarnished and compelling.

This film has had limited releases over the years, with scattered screenings that make it somewhat elusive for collectors. Its historical context surrounding community activism adds significant value, as does the fact that Zubrycki's work isn’t as widely circulated as other documentaries from that era. Finding a good condition copy can be a challenge, and it tends to pop up at niche film festivals or through specialty distributors, piquing interest among collectors who appreciate grassroots filmmaking.