The records smashed by doco 'John Farnham: Finding the Voice' have proven that Australians will still come out in numbers to see local stories on the big screen, and there is significant optimism among exhibitors about the commercial potential of 'Force of Nature: The Dry 2'. However, broadly the year so far has been a very slow one for Australian films at the box office.
We're not even halfway through the year, but 2021 is shaping up to be a record-breaker for Australian films at the box office.
In this unprecedented, fractured year for Australian cinemas, finally enough Aussie films have been released to compile the top 10 titles.
The Australian films and feature docs released in cinemas last year, including minor contributions from holdovers, generated more than $40.2 million.
The Australian films and feature documentaries released in cinemas this year including holdovers collectively have grossed $39.7 million.
Australian writers, producers, directors, funding agencies and distributors should ask one key question when evaluating feature film projects: “Does this warrant a theatrical release or is streaming a smarter option?”
Exhibitors have renewed calls to address the challenges facing most Aussie films in the crowded theatrical market.
The 18 Australian films and feature docs released in cinemas since the start of the year, plus holdovers, have racked up a modest $14.3 million.