The Lost City of Melbourne

M - Documentary Factual Docu-Drama 2022 1h 25m + Hardcover Book Dives into the story of Melbourne city its former glory before the attempted modernisation in the 1950s and how it was the epicentre of film and art culture in the 1850s due to its beautiful Victorian architecture. Watch The Lost City of Melbourne The attempted 'modernisation' of Melbourne in the 1950s destroyed much of the city including its elegant cinemas and picture palaces. Now a new Melbourne-made documentary brings them back to life. Melbourne has been an epicentre of arts and culture since the 1850s: it was here that the world's first film The Story of the Kelly Gang was made and the early 20th century saw the rise of back-alley movie theatres and outdoor cinemas across the CBD Brunswick St Kilda and Preston. But in the 1950s when Melbourne played host to the Olympics and Queen Elizabeth II cultural cringe fostered the idea that our Victorian architecture made us look the opposite of a modern metropolis. And so began a demolition blitz that paved over a century's worth of built heritage - in the process razing many of the city's various movie theatres. Featuring rare archival video and photography as well as the invaluable input of key historians this loving and revelatory work of local history allows us to reimagine the former glory of Australia's film and art capital. In examining Melbourne's rich architectural and social past director Gus Berger (Junked MIFF 2014) also prompts consideration as to how continuing development and gentrification may impact the city's artistic lineage and treasured landmarks. The Lost City of Melbourne is a celebration not just of Melbourne's beloved bygone picture palaces but also of its enduring relationship to the cinema itself. Trailer Watch It is available on DVD but also (free) on SBS On Demand. SBS On Demand We noticed it pop-up on Netflix Book: The Lost City Of Melbourne THE LOST CITY OF MELBOURNE is a new (limited edition) photographic book that tells the remarkable story of the rise and fall of Melbourne's built heritage through stunning archival photographs and powerful insights from Melbourne's leading historians and authors. thelostcityofmelbourne.org readings.com.au