Australian film
Local TV and film industry wins as government agrees to more generous tax breaks
Fearing a revolt from a volatile backbench, the government capitulated to Labor’s demands and abandoned its attempts to tighten rules as it increased tax rebates for the screen industry.
- by Lisa Visentin
Latest
Opinion
Indigenous culture
Vale Dalaithngu, who charmed Australia and the world
Actor David Dalaithngu inhabited two very different worlds. Over his career spanning 50 years, he left an indelible mark on Australia’s cultural history.
- by Marcia Langton
A ‘rock star’ trailblazer who was an inspiration for Indigenous actors and filmmakers
One leading director says that before David Dalaithngu, there were “just kookaburras and didgeridoos” on screen.
- by Garry Maddox and Karl Quinn
Israel Folau controversy set to be examined in upcoming ABC doco
The 90-minute documentary, which is in pre-production and is slated to go to air late next year, will be made by In Films, the production company behind Revelation.
- by Karl Quinn
‘I’m proud. Money is nothing’: Franco Cozzo’s life more splendid
A long-awaited documentary about furniture salesman and Melbourne icon Franco Cozzo captures the highs and the lows, including those drug rumours.
- by Karl Quinn
Why actor Danielle Macdonald’s only option was to leave home for Hollywood
The Australian packed her bags at age 18 and headed to Los Angeles, where she was soon appearing with some of Hollywood’s biggest names.
- by Michael Idato
My favourite Paul Kelly songs
To Her Door, right? No, no, no, it’s How to Make Gravy. Two friends debate their favourite Paul Kelly songs. What’s yours?
- by David Leser
Analysis
Film & TV production
It’s been a bumper year, but Australian TV drama is on a knife’s edge
Don’t let the success of The Newsreader, Five Bedrooms, Rosehaven et al. fool you: the future for Australian drama and comedy has never been so uncertain.
- by Karl Quinn
Extract
Art
Arts ministers watched on as Australian film and television suffered
In A Bloody Good Rant, Thomas Keneally says the arts must again be nurtured, funded and valued as an extension of our country’s identity.
- by Thomas Keneally
‘Magic happened in the room’: Here Out West is a rare contemporary take on western Sydney
A bold anthology film has eight writers from different cultural backgrounds, five female directors and nine languages. Plus other festival highlights.
- by Garry Maddox
How do you explain creativity? Filmmaker explores an enigma in new doco
Filmmaker Roger Ungers wanted to know where creativity comes from: he asked a glass-working artist, a celebrated chef, a singer songwriter and an entrepreneur.
- by Nick Miller