Filmmakers Seek Polk County Community Members to Share Their Stories
A new documentary film is in production to honor one of Polk County’s most beloved institutions: the Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre. As the Silver Moon prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2028, filmmakers are embarking on a two-year journey to capture the living history of this iconic piece of American culture — and they need your help.
About the Documentary
This feature-length documentary will chronicle the heart and soul of the Silver Moon Drive-In — the dedicated employees who keep its projectors running, the families who have called it a weekend tradition for generations, and the stories of community members whose lives have intersected with its iconic screen. The film will explore how this landmark has endured for eight decades, tracing the family lineage of ownership and the threads of Americana that make drive-in theaters unlike any other entertainment experience.
More than a film about a movie theater, this documentary is a love letter to Polk County — a testament to the shared memories, the summer nights, and the sense of community that the Silver Moon has fostered since its founding.
We Want to Hear Your Story
The production team is currently seeking interview subjects from across the Polk County community. Whether you are a longtime patron with decades of memories, a former or current employee, someone who had a milestone moment at the Silver Moon, or a local historian with insight into the theater’s past — your story matters.
We are looking for:
• Current and former Silver Moon employees and staff
• Families with multi-generational ties to the drive-in
• Community members with memorable or milestone experiences at the theater
• Local historians, writers, or enthusiasts with knowledge of the Silver Moon’s history
• Anyone who has worked with or been part of the family ownership over the years
How to Get Involved
If you or someone you know has a connection to the Silver Moon Drive-In and would like to be considered for an interview, we invite you to visit our website and complete the short interest form. Our production team will review all submissions and reach out to potential participants.
Submit Your Story Online: silvermoomdoc.com
Filming is underway now through 2027, with the documentary slated for release in 2028 to coincide with the Silver Moon’s 80th anniversary celebration.
About the Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre
The Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre has been a cornerstone of Polk County life for nearly eight decades. A rare surviving example of a uniquely American entertainment tradition, the Silver Moon has welcomed generations of families, couples, and film lovers through its gates. Still family-owned and operated, it stands as a living monument to community, tradition, and the enduring magic of movies under the open sky.