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Step back into the golden age of movie-going, when grand picture theatres lit up the streets and, later, the magic of drive-ins transformed nights across South Australia. Discover what really happened behind the screen to bring those cinematic experiences to life.

Watch author Scott Smith as he explores the rich history of South Australia’s cinema and drive-in industry. Presented as part of this year’s South Australia's History Festival, this special event goes beyond the finished book to reveal the journey behind Looking Back: South Australian Picture Theatres and Drive-Ins, from research and storytelling to design and publication.

Enjoy fascinating stories from the book, view a selection of the more than 1,000 images featured, many drawn from the State Library of South Australia’s collection, and hear about Scott’s travels across the state meeting the people who helped shape this vibrant chapter of our cultural history.

About the author

Scott Smith grew up in the north-eastern suburbs of Adelaide and is a qualified graphic designer. Through his business, Looking Back Publications, he collaborates with organisations and historical societies, specialising in book design and publication. He is the writer, designer and publisher of this remarkable project.