The history of Australian feature filmmaking is a compelling narrative in itself. Its journey from the birth of the world’s first full-length feature film to the innovation-infused productions of the 21st century is marked by distinctive directors, memorable movies, iconic performers, beneficial government initiatives, and far-reaching cultural impacts.

The Silent Era and ‘The Bushranging Genre’

At the turn of the 20th century, Australia made its debut in the film industry with The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906). Directed by Charles Tait, this silent film showcased the exploits of the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly, setting the precedent for a genre that would come to define the early Australian film landscape. This “bushranging genre” was largely grounded in the colonial narrative, representing the lawless bushland as a battleground where outlaws clashed with the law. The genre was uniquely Australian and resonated with audiences who recognised these wild tales as part of their collective heritage.

Many bushranging films followed the success of The Story of the Kelly Gang, such as Robbery Under Arms (1920) and Captain Starlight, or Gentleman of the Road (1911). These films largely explored the theme of anti-authoritarianism, reflecting the Australians’ self-image as independent and rebellious. Unfortunately, the physical records of these early films are mostly lost, but their impact on the nascent film industry and the establishment of the Australian cultural identity remains indisputable.

The 1930s to 1950s: The Decline and Rise

The arrival of sound in cinema in the late 1920s presented new challenges for the Australian film industry, and Australian productions dramatically declined in the 1930s and 1940s. The market was dominated by foreign, especially American, films during this period. As you would know, this coincides with the rise of the Hollywood studio system and what many people regard as Hollywood’s “golden age”.

Nonetheless, a few key films managed to emerge from this era. Forty Thousand Horsemen (1940), directed by Charles Chauvel, was a prime example. This patriotic film, which showcased the Australian Light Horsemen during WWI, was praised for its innovative sound techniques and narrative structure.

The 1950s marked the beginning of a slow recovery for the Australian film industry, with the advent of the Australian News and Information Bureau and the establishment of television networks. This period also saw the emergence of Australian actors like Rod Taylor, Errol Flynn and Peter Finch who found success both at home and abroad.

The Australian New Wave and the 10BA Tax Incentive

The 1970s and 1980s brought about a renaissance in Australian cinema. The Australian New Wave was a period of creative resurgence spurred by government investment in the Australian Film Development Corporation and the establishment of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.

Directors such as Peter Weir (Picnic at Hanging Rock, Gallipoli, The Last Wave), Bruce Beresford (Breaker Morant), George Miller (Mad Max), and Gillian Armstrong (My Brilliant Career) came to prominence during this era. They presented a new vision of Australia to the world, characterized by its rugged landscapes, complex characters, and uniquely Australian stories.

The 10BA tax incentive scheme, introduced in 1981, played a crucial role in this revival. Investors in film projects could claim a 150% tax deduction, which made film investment highly attractive. The appeal of this incentive also spawned an explosion of sub-genre production, with a number of exploitation movies, horror films, sci-fi tales and risqué comedies emerging as a result – many of which have since attained cult film status. Although this scheme was later revised due to misuse, its initial impact on promoting a robust and economically sustainable film industry was undeniable.

Late 20th Century: A Global Presence

In the late 20th century, Australian films and performers started to gain significant international presence. Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, and Cate Blanchett emerged as global stars during this period. The film Babe (1995), directed by Chris Noonan, became a cultural phenomenon, achieving both commercial success and critical acclaim, including seven Academy Award nominations.

21st Century: Modern Innovations and Global Recognition

The 21st century saw the Australian film industry embracing new technologies and creating groundbreaking films. A prime example was the 3D live-action-animation hybrid Happy Feet (2006), directed by George Miller, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Films like Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002) addressed the historical injustices against Aboriginal people, while The Babadook (2014) offered a fresh take on horror genre conventions. The exuberant films of Baz Luhrmann, including the acclaimed Elvis (2022), and George Miller’s return to the Mad Max universe with action-adventure classic Fury Road (2015) further cemented the country as a source of lively cinematic production. These films reflected the ongoing evolution of Australian cinema, as it continued to explore and address both historical and contemporary issues.

Cultural Impact

From its inception, Australian cinema has been a significant cultural force, not only shaping but also reflecting the national identity. The early bushranging films, for instance, amplified the anti-establishment sentiment and the underdog spirit that were integral to the Australian ethos. They helped to construct a national identity that celebrated rebellion, resilience, and resourcefulness.

The Australian New Wave of the 1970s and 1980s was another turning point, both culturally and cinematically. Films of this era, such as Picnic at Hanging Rock and The Last Wave, reinforced the mysterious, haunting allure of the Australian landscape, which had previously been underrepresented or misinterpreted by foreign films.

Films like Mad Max (1979) offered a dystopian vision of the future, reflecting the anxieties of the time. Its stark, desolate representation of Australia’s landscape and society was emblematic of a broader global trend towards dystopian narratives, indicative of the era’s political and environmental anxieties.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) was a landmark film for the LGBTQ+ community in Australia. Its exploration of drag culture in the Australian Outback was both entertaining and thought-provoking, making an impactful statement about diversity and acceptance at a time when the gay rights movement was gaining momentum.

More recently, Indigenous stories have found a powerful platform in films like Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002) and Samson and Delilah (2009), bringing attention to the historical and ongoing marginalisation of Indigenous people in Australia. These films have played a pivotal role in sparking dialogues about racial prejudice and the importance of reconciliation.

Conclusion

Despite its humble beginnings and periods of struggle, the Australian film industry has made indelible marks on the global cinematic landscape. Its unique blend of creative vision, distinctive storytelling, robust support mechanisms, and continual evolution ensures its place in the future of global cinema. The cultural impact of Australian cinema is tangible and far-reaching, serving as both a mirror and a maker of the national identity. Its journey reflects the nation’s societal changes and cultural shifts, illustrating the power of cinema in shaping and reflecting the collective consciousness.