Australian films and feature documentaries raked in theatrical revenues of $49.4 million in calendar 2017, a market share of 4.1 per cent.
Eighteen feature films and documentaries were released in Australian cinemas in the first quarter, including a handful that had limited exposure via Q&A screenings.
The local feature films and feature documentaries released in cinemas in the first four months of this year, plus a few holdovers, have collectively grossed $32 million.
Australian feature films and feature documentaries released in cinemas have a very good shot at beating the 2017 calendar year total of $49.4 million, judging by the results for the first five months.
No Australian film has broken through with mainstream cinema audiences since Simon Baker’s 'Breath' launched in May. Even so, the upcoming line-up looks sufficiently appealing to ensure this year will surpass the 2017 calendar year total of $49.4 million
Mark Joffe’s 'Jimmy Barnes: Working Class Boy' was the only new Australian release to connect with mainstream audiences in August and already ranks as the second highest grossing local title since Leigh Whannell’s 'Upgrade' opened in June.
The Australian titles released in cinemas this year including holdovers will overtake the calendar 2017 total in the next week or so, boosted by Bruce Beresford’s Ladies in Black.
As the Australian feature films and feature docs released in cinemas this year have surpassed the calendar 2017 total, exhibitors generally are happy with the diversity of product and the number of titles that have resonated with mainstream audiences.