500 Films From Australian Cinema - Page 9

Australia's Film Industry is the oldest in the world with it pre-dating both Ealing and Hollywood. Australia is credited with producing the first feature length film from 1906, "The Story of the Kelly Gang". Unfortunately, much of these early films were lost primarily due to the systematic purchase of Cinema Houses in Australia by the big Hollywood Studios which barred locally produced films from being screened. Furthermore, what Australian and New Zealand films stored were basically taken out and burned to ensure that they did not end up elsewhere. What has survived been due to unexpected finds in back rooms and old storage houses forgotten until that fateful day. In spite of this the Australian Film Industry continues often with international acclaim and recognition. Producing various films across the spectrum of all genres. Listing 500 was a challenge given to me by a friend at the Australian Film Institute. This is for you, Monique. Please Enjoy!