Cirrus@Austlit

This unit is an exploration of Australian film with a particular focus on the contemporary period. Looking back from where Australian cinema is now, students will study the development of the Australian film industry and an Australian national cinema. There are five parts to the program: the

first is an overview of the historical context for the Australian film industry, the development of an Australian national cinema, and an analysis of the 'myths' of Australia that have been important in constructing the 'nation'. The second part on 'the Australian Film Industry' considers the contemporary Australian Milieu for production (including government involvement, key issues and sectional interests). Part three has a focus on representations in Australian films and includes topics that explore representations of sexuality, the suburbs, and migrant and indigenous culture. Part four acknowledges that there have been (and continue to be) a number of gaps and silences in Australian cinema and considers visions largely outside the mainstream (such as queer, or diasporic identities in film). The unit concludes with an overview of contemporary directions for Australian cinema.