Given the record number of titles flooding into cinemas this year, Australian feature films and documentaries overall have performed respectably, most as limited releases with minimal marketing.
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.
Exhibitors have renewed calls to address the challenges facing most Aussie films in the crowded theatrical market.
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?”
The Australian films and feature documentaries released in cinemas this year including holdovers collectively have grossed $39.7 million.
The Australian films and feature docs released in cinemas last year, including minor contributions from holdovers, generated more than $40.2 million.
In this unprecedented, fractured year for Australian cinemas, finally enough Aussie films have been released to compile the top 10 titles.
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.