In a remarkable result, four Australian films - 'The Dry', 'Penguin Bloom', 'High Ground' and 'Occupation: Rainfall' - took home almost 50 per cent of the national box office last weekend.
Those releasing indie features have had to become even more flexible and innovative in order to reach audiences and remain viable, writes Megan Riakos.
It's a rare feat for an Australian film to break through to the top of the box office, let alone for two local titles to lead the weekend's rankings - but 'Penguin Bloom' and 'The Dry' have done just that.
Gravitas Ventures has snapped up North American rights to Aussie indie thriller 'Rage', to be released via VOD platforms February 23.
Stan is set to further expand its international drama slate, thanks to a new partnership with UK VOD service Walter Presents announced today.
"My prediction is that the next 18-24 months will be something of a bonanza for business with international outlooks and the ability to produce at volume and scale. The flip side of the coin is that solo producers and very small production companies will likely be snuffed out as the domestic market continues to contract at pace."
Demand for Australian films may be experiencing a revival as a result of the pandemic's disruption of other markets but every business within the industry remains "on notice" from the new regulatory overhaul set to come into effect this year, according to producer Sue Maslin.
Roadshow's 'The Dry' has now rung up almost $10 million in three weeks, proving strong word-of-mouth.