It’s no secret that the Australian film industry has always struggled for audiences when placed against big budget, Hollywood flicks.
Common complaints are Australian films are too depressing, too dark and too niche for the mainstream public.
Rachael Taylor and Josh Lucas star in "Red Dog" credit: tysonA
So when Screen Australia released statistics revealing that in 2011 Australian produced films accounted for only 3.9 per cent, or $42.9 million, of the total box office profits, with family favourite Red Dog responsible for half of the takings alone, many started digging the Australian film industry’s grave.
The issue of the Australian public shunning local cinema is nothing new, but with box office figures reaching an all time low and the Melbourne International Film Festival in full swing, never before has the issue been so relevant.
RMIT University Associate Professor in Cinema Studies Lisa French said everyone should put into perspective.
“The Australian film industry has only taken between 1 and 4 per cent of the box office for decades, so it is not a new situation. However, box office is not the only measure of success, and this does not mean that Australian’s don’t get these films out on DVD [as] industry research suggests that they do,” she said.
List of the top 100 Australian feature films of all time.
Ms French added that the buzz around MIFF each year suggests people are taking notice of homegrown films and art house releases in general.
“Arguably it isn’t a very sustainable industry, but it struggles on. It is concerning, but I think there will always be people here who want to make films and will find ways to do so,” Ms French said.
City Journal asked punters at the Melbourne International Film Festival for their two cents on why Australians aren’t interested in locally produced films.
The Melbourne International Film Festival runs until August 19.
