Film screens at Trades Hall

H SQUARED Studios’ Rex Hardware will publicly present five screenings of films uncovered within the Lost in 16mm project.

The footage showcases the Ballarat district in the 1970s, captured by 16-milimetre cameramen filming on location for Peter Gamble’s BTV-6 children’s program.

Three specials have been cut together for presentation at Trades Hall on transport, Linton, and factories of Ballarat.

“The transport special screening on the 27th and 28th of August includes trains, trams, buses, planes, helicopters, and a channel six news panel van,” Hardware said.

“On the 24th and 25th of September, we’re showing the Ballarat factories special, which includes Coronet Caravans, Sunshine Biscuits George Farmer’s, Waller and Chester, and John Valves.

“There’s a lot of people whose parents and families worked there.”

Hardware is encouraging manufacturing union members to promote the factories of Ballarat screening.

Throughout the digitisation process of Gamble’s collection, 48 minutes of footage of Linton was found.

“A large film reel was opened and a small piece of paper with the word ‘Linton’ was found inside,” Hardware said.

“The film contains a snapshot of Linton in 1974 with Peter Gamble interviewing several locals and lots of footage of the town, railway station, cricket ground, farm scenes, shearing and Linton Park tulips.

“The Linton Historical Society know who is in the film. Featured are Renee Clarke, Cr Harry Kennedy, Betty Grigg, Bill Grigg senior, headmaster Brian Hendrickson and bank manager Geoff Fordyce. That’s screening on Saturday, 11 September.”

The Lost in 16mm project is almost complete, funded by donations and proceeds from the screenings. Hardware is nearly ready to return the films to WIN TV.

He said Mr Gamble’s sister, Suzie Gamble will be at all the screenings to chat to attendees over supper afterwards.

The Friday screenings will be at 6pm, and the Saturday screenings at 2.30pm. Visit facebook.com/lostin16mm and trybooking.com for more information and tickets.