A documentary about an Outback pub in Western Australia is shining a light on another side of the country and drumming up plenty of conversation.
Hotel Coolgardie follows two Finnish backpackers contracted to work in the remote pub, Denver City Hotel, for a five-week rotation.
Their experience in the mining town shows a side of Australia that is rarely seen by city folk.
The majority-male clientele openly compete over who will get to bed them first, stare at their breasts and make suggestive comments towards them.
While some have branded it “sick” and “grubby”, others say the film portrays the “real Australia” and that people need to put down their lattes and get over it.
“Get over it. This is life In Australia without the lattes and reality TV.” wrote one commenter on The Australian.
While another argued against the film: “What terrible behaviour from these rural town folk!”
It’s not the first time the pub has been thrust into the spotlight.
In 2014, there was collective outrage after the owner put up a sign banning Indigenous Australians because her phone had gone missing.
“No indigenous person will be served in this hotel until my apple i phone is returned that was stolen on 1st March 2014,” the sign read.
While the people of Australia may be divided over the documentary, critics are loving it, selecting it for a number of film festivals around the world.
Take a look at the trailer and tell us what you think! Is this a side of Australia you’re proud of?
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