We are sad to have to inform you that former Victorian Branch President of the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers Garth Eva passed away on Thursday June 10th. Garth had been a member of the Cinema Pioneers for many decades and for many years subsequent had been branch treasurer. Along with his recently deceased wife, Lois, Garth was a not only a stalwart of the Cinema Pioneers and the countless functions they attended together, but of the Cinema Industry Benevolent Fund to which they donated much time and energy.
Garth (Alfred), was best known to most as one of the teachers of the 35mm motion picture projection course at RMIT. Garth, over many years at RMIT, taught countless Victorian assistant projectionists as they studied towards gaining their Victorian Projectionist licence. In my time studying at RMIT, Garth, along with fellow projection course teachers, Colin Williams and Ken Howe, personified dedicated and passionate teachers of a craft. I, and many other class mates, looked forward to every lesson where we were taught the technical side of the cinema industry we loved.

Garth was fascinated by motion picture technology and actually built his own television in 1956 prior to regular broadcasts even commencing. He was also one of the very first to experiment with anamorphic (Cinemascope) 16mm film shooting and projection in 1955 when the process had only just premiered in cinemas a year before. Garth undertook a study tour of the United States and examined the various incoming projection automation technology trends that were soon taught by Garth and his colleagues at RMIT. This study tour was instrumental in RMIT purchasing and equipping their theatrette with Bauer and Kinoton projectors along with a platter system and an automation unit so students could have hands on experience with the latest in projection technology.

His projection work was also wide and varied having worked at Metro Theatres, Hoyts and Village along with independents. Garth was always ready to assist in covering projection shifts outside of teaching hours and after he retired from RMIT he worked for Hoyts as a projectionist in a full time role across city theatres and suburban multiplexes.

Garth will be sadly missed by his fellow pioneers and lifelong industry colleagues. A true gentleman, Garth was well respected and generous with his time and experience, and this author will always be grateful in him taking an interest in my career and assisting me along the way.

Our condolences go out to Brian, a fellow Cinema Pioneer, Mercia, Karen and Mark and their families who have lost both parents in the last two months.


VALE prepared by David Kilderry
Victorian Branch Committee member
The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers