An Australian Film Interlude
The allure of Australian films has journeyed through decades of diversity in genres, filming styles and generations of Australian movie stars that the world has grown to love and adore.
Australian movie stars who are mega Hollywood powerhouse include Hugh Jackman, Chris Hemsworth, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchette, Russell Crowe, Eric Bana, Mel Gibson and this coveted list goes on.
From the first Australian film THE STORY OF THE KELLY GANG in 1903 (widely considered to be the world’s first feature length narrative film) to classics like PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, George Miller’s Oscar-winning MAD MAX franchise and recent 2023 films such as RUN RABBIT RUN and SHADYA, the global audience has been treated to a colorful smorgasbord of outstanding Australian films. Many have garnered critical acclaim whilst others have achieved celebrated international commercial success.
Crocodile Dundee (1986), Babe (1995), Strictly Ballroom (1992), Gallipoli (1981), Muirel’s Wedding (1994), to name a few illustrious evergreens that exemplify the spirit of globally commercially successful iconic films from “Down Under”.
This April, CinemaWorld swings its lens onto 3 award winning Australian movies; ODDBALL, STANDING UP FOR SUNNY and JIRGA.
Each of these 3 films is a stellar selection for the genre of films it represents.
ODDBALL (Action & Adventure/Family)
A film based on a true story, Oddball is a sheep dog that becomes the unlikely protector of a penguin sanctuary from fox attacks.
Amongst the multitude of outstanding accolades that this movie received from various Australian film awards (including Favorite Australian Film Nominee, Audience Choice Award, Australian Academy of Cinema & Television Arts Awards 2015), the movie ODDBALL was a highly popular box office hit in Australia. ODDBALL also won awards from film festivals in America such as Mill Valley Film Festival and Traverse City Film Festival.
JIRGA (Drama/War)
An Australian ex-soldier journeys to Afghanistan to seek forgiveness from the family of the soldier he killed during his tour of duty. His fate lies in the hands of the 10-year-old son of the soldier he killed.
Directed by Benjamin Gilmour (SON OF A LION) and starring Sam Smith, JIRGA was Australia’s submission to the 91st Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.
Australian actor Sam Smith’s other film credits include the critically acclaimed blockbuster THE INVISIBLE MAN, Venice Film Festival winner THE NIGHTINGALE and HBO drama series THE LEFTOVERS.
STANDING UP FOR SUNNY (Comedy/Romance)
When Travis, a self-isolated recluse with low-grade cerebral palsy, meets the shy aspiring comedienne Sunny, his mundane existence is turned upside down. Travis finds himself thrust into the world of stand-up comedy, in love and completely out of his comfort zone.
American Actor RJ Mitte (who plays Travis) made his mark in the award winning US series “Breaking Bad”. In his real life, RJ Mitte also has mild cerebral palsy.
Directed by award-winning director, Steven Vidler, this movie won Best Indie Film - Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards, 2020.
