Special Interest > Australian

This fascinating documentary series details the evolution of Australian cinema from the early silent film-era to the modern ‘renaissance’ in Oz film-making when names like Peter Weir, Mel Gibson and Nicole Kidman became world cinema icons.
From the early 20th century home-grown heroes like Chips Rafferty and Errol Flynn helped forge a genuine Aussie film image independent of Hollywood. Though the industry ground to a halt in the post-war years, it was spectacularly resurrected in the 70s though films like Picnic at Hanging Rock, My Brilliant Career and Gallipoli.
Beautifully produced, extensively researched, and narrated by Brian Brown, Celluloid Heroes is an unparalleled showcase of Australian film history.

Episode 1: The Pioneers 1894 - 1927 - This episode traces the origins of cinema in Australia and concludes with the ending of the silent era.
Episode 2: OK For Sound 1928 - 1948 - The coming of sound transformed the experience of watching films and Australian producers responded to the challenge of matching sound to vision.
Episode 3: Arising from the Ashes 1949 - 1970 - In a pessimistic era, the Australian cinema struggled to survive, reflecting the ‘cultural cringe’ of the period.
Episode 4: Beyond Our Wildest Dreams 1971 - 1995 - Looks at the modern ‘renaissance’ in Australian film making through to the end of the century.