Screen Australia CEO Graeme Mason recognises the structural challenges facing independent films but does not subscribe to the view that this is a down year for Australian cinema.
The box office results for the Australian films and feature docs released in cinemas this year underline yet again the deep polarisation in the indie film market between the higher earners and the also-rans.
Wayne Blair’s 'Top End Wedding' has edged past Shawn Seet’s 'Storm Boy' to rank as the highest grossing Australian film this year.
It’s been a quiet start for the year for Australian films at the national box office, particularly compared to last year when Peter Rabbit and Sweet Country were drawing crowds.
The good news for Australian cinema: Last year ranks as the third biggest ever for Oz films and feature docs released theatrically in the home market
At the half way mark of the year Australian feature films and feature documentaries released in cinemas have racked up nearly $40 million.
There was a lull in Australian films released theatrically in June so the total grosses for local titles this year has ticked up to only $42.95 million.
The Australian films released theatrically so far this year have grossed $42.6 million – nearly double the meagre 2016 calendar year total of $24.1 million.