The quirky and challenging history of Australian films

The first significant film made in Australia was actually about a notorious criminal. It was called The Story of the Kelly Gang and premiered in 1906.

Across the length of six reels, viewers watched the dramatic tale of the infamous outlaw Ned Kelly.

Based upon its success, by 1910, numerous short films and documentaries had been made, which focused on Australia’s landscapes and cultures. 

Unfortunately, these early filmmakers faced limited resources and competition from imported films.

The sudden outbreak of World War I in 1914 further strained the industry, as it diverted attention and funding to the war effort.

However, after the war ended in 1918, filmmakers resumed their craft with renewed vigor.

By the early 1920s, several Australian films gained popularity, such as The Sentimental Bloke (1919) and On Our Selection (1920). 

At this time, advancements in film technology and production techniques improved the quality and appeal of Australian films.

Studios began to appear in major cities, offering better facilities for filmmakers.

For instance, the establishment of Australasian Films in 1912 provided a boost to production capabilities.

As a result, more ambitious projects became possible, and the industry expanded. 

By the 1920s, filmmakers experimented with genres, producing comedies, dramas, and adventure films that showcased the versatility of Australian cinema.

During this era, several influential filmmakers emerged including Raymond Longford and Lottie Lyell, who were a pioneering duo that had directed and produced The Sentimental Bloke. 

Their collaboration set a standard for quality and creativity in Australian filmmaking. 

Longford's The Pioneers (1926) and Franklyn Barrett's A Girl of the Bush (1921) illustrated the range of themes explored in silent films. 

Other movies, such as The Kid Stakes (1927), captured the charm of local culture with its humorous narrative. 

However, the arrival of Hollywood films posed a significant threat to the local industry.

These high-budget productions attracted larger audiences, overshadowing Australian films.

As a result, American movies dominated Australian cinemas. 

Through government support and initiatives, efforts were made to protect and promote domestic productions.

For example, the government implemented quotas in 1927, requiring a percentage of Australian films to be shown in theaters.

Then, the 1928 Royal Commission on the Moving Picture Industry sought to address these challenges and recommend solutions. 

The 1930s ushered in a transformative era for Australian cinema with the advent of sound.

Filmmakers faced the challenge of transitioning from silent films to 'talkies', requiring significant investment in new technology.

Few Australian studios could afford the necessary equipment, resulting in a decline in local film production.

Nevertheless, early sound films like The Cheaters (1930) by Paulette McDonagh were still created.

Then, in 1931, the McDonagh sisters produced Two Minutes Silence, which was one of most successful of Australia's earliest sound films. 

However, during this period, the Great Depression had a severe impact on the film industry. It reduced both audiences and revenue.

Many independent studios struggled to survive, leading to a decline in film production.

In 1933, Ken G. Hall emerged as a significant figure, when he remade On Our Selection for the new generation.

It became a major success.  

Unfortunately, the outbreak of World War II once more disrupted the industry, as resources and attention were spent on the war effort.

However, the Australian government utilized film as a tool for propaganda, and produced both newsreels and documentaries to support the war.

In 1943, the government established the Australian National Film Board, which focused on creating wartime documentaries.

With this support, filmmakers contributed to the national morale by documenting the experiences of Australian soldiers. 

The post-war period brought a much-needed revival to the Australian film industry, leading into what many consider to be its golden age.

As a result, filmmakers took advantage of the improved economic conditions and renewed public interest in cinema.

In 1946, Charles Chauvel's The Overlanders was the beginning of this revival.

In 1955, Jedda, directed by Chauvel, became the first Australian feature film shot in color, which was a major technological advancement.

In fact, Jedda received international acclaim, especially since it highlighted Indigenous Australian stories for the first time. 

However, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, television emerged as a new medium, and a threat to the film industry.

Many filmmakers adapted to this change by producing content suitable for both cinema and television.

In 1958, the film Smiley was released, portraying the adventures of a young boy in the Australian outback.

Its success reflected the growing popularity of family-oriented films during this period. 

However, the golden age faced renewed challenges from the influx of American films.

To combat this, filmmakers focused on stories that highlighted Australian culture and experiences.

In 1966, They're a Weird Mob, directed by Michael Powell, depicted the life of an Italian immigrant in Australia and became a significant box office hit.

This focus on local themes and narratives helped sustain the industry. 

The Australian New Wave of the 1970s and 1980s was a vibrant period of innovation in the film industry.

Filmmakers began exploring bold themes and moved away from traditional narratives.

With the support of the Australian Film Development Corporation (AFDC), which was established in 1970, a new generation of directors emerged, bringing fresh perspectives to the screen.

In 1971, Wake in Fright, directed by Ted Kotcheff, shocked audiences with its raw portrayal of outback life.

Then, in 1975, Peter Weir's Picnic at Hanging Rock captivated audiences worldwide with its hauntingly beautiful imagery and mysterious plot.  

But directors also experimented with extreme Australian humor. This is evident in the 1972 film, The Adventures of Barry McKenzie: a story of an Australian man who travels to England to claim an inheritance.

The film humorously depicts Australian stereotypes and became a cult classic. Its irreverent style, satirical approach, and memorable characters contributed to its lasting popularity, even today. 

The film's success paved the way for other directors to achieve global acclaim. For example, George Miller's Mad Max series, starting in 1979, revolutionized the action genre with its intense approach.

The government continued to play a vital role through the creation of the Australian Film Commission (AFC) in 1975, which replaced the AFDC. 

The 1980s and 1990s saw Australian cinema achieve significant international success and recognition.

In 1981, Bruce Beresford's Breaker Morant garnered critical acclaim and several awards for its gritty portrayal of warfare.

The introduction of a generous tax incentive in 1981 encouraged private investment in film production.

As a result, over $1.5 billion was invested in the industry by 1988. 

This led to several Australian films and directors who received prestigious international awards.

In 1986, Crocodile Dundee, directed by Peter Faiman, became an international box office hit, grossing over $328 million worldwide.

The film's humorous depiction of Australian culture connected well with audiences globally.

Additionally, Jane Campion's The Piano (1993) won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and three Academy Awards.

This was followed in 1994 by Muriel's Wedding, directed by P.J. Hogan, which achieved both critical and commercial success. 

However, local filmmakers often had to balance local stories with elements that would attract international audiences.

In 1997, Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet promoted this approach, blending Shakespeare's classic play with contemporary influences.

By the end of the 1990s, actors such as Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, and Cate Blanchett had gained global recognition for their work in both Australian and international productions.

Then, in 1999, The Matrix, directed by the Wachowskis and filmed largely in Sydney, demonstrated Australia's capability as a location for major Hollywood productions.

These achievements underscored the global impact of Australian cinema. 

The 21st century has brought continued evolution and success to Australian cinema.

In 2000, Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge! dazzled audiences with its vibrant style and became a global sensation.

Again, in 2008, Luhrmann experienced incredible financial success with the film Australia, which followed an English aristocrat and a rugged Australian drover in Northern Territory during World War II.

It won acclaim for its sweeping visuals and personal stories within broader historical events. 

To maintain this momentum, in 2008, the Australian government established Screen Australia to provide new funding and resources for filmmakers.

With an annual budget of approximately $100 million, Screen Australia has been instrumental in funding and promoting Australian films.

This support enabled the creation of impactful films such as Animal Kingdom (2010), directed by David Michôd.

During this period, several Australian films gained significant international recognition.

In 2015, George Miller's Mad Max: Fury Road achieved both critical and commercial success, winning six Academy Awards. 

By the end of the 2010s, Australian cinema continued to thrive, producing both commercially successful and critically acclaimed films.

Directors such as Warwick Thornton proactively brought Indigenous and diverse voices to the silver screen.

In 2013, the film The Sapphires, directed by Wayne Blair, told the true story of an Indigenous girl group during the Vietnam War era.

The film's success demonstrated the potential for more diverse storytelling in mainstream cinema.

In 2019 alone, Screen Australia supported over 30 feature films and numerous documentaries and television projects.