Return Chute: The survival of a small town video store is now available to watch on YouTube for all to see! We’ve been blown away by the reception and love shown for our short documentary.

Massive thanks to Rod O’Hara for sharing his story, to everyone who appears in the documentary, the O’Hara family, and to all the film’s supporters and film festival teams who showcased our Return Chute in their official selection.

Rod O’Hara bought Bellingen Video Connection in 2018 when video stores were already considered dead. After many setbacks and against all odds, Rod and the community kept this iconic local business and bastion for lovers of television, film and screen culture alive for several years.

Filmed in late 2022 and premiering in April 2023, this short documentary tells the story of Rod and his unique store through interviews with Rod, past owners and employees, and passionate and loyal customers. It captures the history, nostalgia, love, and hopes for the video store before Rod made the tough and heartbreaking decision to sell Bellingen Video Connection in late 2023.

The iconic video store has been reborn as The Dark Room with a new look and an expanded offering to keep showcasing the screen arts, music, photography, and other art forms. Follow on Instagram @bellodarkroom or visit, the website to learn more.

Return Chute: The survival of a small town video store is directed and produced by Simone Atallah with cinematography and editing by Mick Jones and sound mixing by Ryan Burrows.

Please watch Return Chute on YouTube and let us know what you think.