Religion in Australian Film - A Database 1900-2003
"How has the film treatment of religion helped influence our perception of religion and the religious makeup of Australian society today?"
Religion in Australian Film began as a third-year university project to explore an area of Australian film industry history that has not been the focus of much investigation. At the time of writing (2003) only one small booklet dedicated specifically to the topic of religion in Australian film existed; 'From Back Pews to Front Stalls - the Churches in 100 years of Australian Cinema', edited by Peter Malone.
Compiling this film list offered me a glimpse into how various religious groups have been represented (or misrepresented) in Australia since the art of film making began– a little over 100 years ago.
The Anglo-Christian faith dominates much of the religious content in Australian films for the first 100 years. From 1973 onward, we see more reflections on religious life from an indigenous perspective, in films like Walkabout, Storm Boy and The Last Wave.
As we move into the 70's Christian tradition is increasingly mocked by the irreverent streak of the Australian 'Ocker' or portrayed as deeply flawed.
The end of the 20th century depicts a greater diversity of religious topics, and more documentaries that reflect Australia's broader migrant population religions and a seemingly more global or open attitude to cultural difference.
Adapted from my Religion in Australian Film 1900 - 2003:
http://www.elfinn.com/filmweb/index.htm
Religion in Australian Film began as a third-year university project to explore an area of Australian film industry history that has not been the focus of much investigation. At the time of writing (2003) only one small booklet dedicated specifically to the topic of religion in Australian film existed; 'From Back Pews to Front Stalls - the Churches in 100 years of Australian Cinema', edited by Peter Malone.
Compiling this film list offered me a glimpse into how various religious groups have been represented (or misrepresented) in Australia since the art of film making began– a little over 100 years ago.
The Anglo-Christian faith dominates much of the religious content in Australian films for the first 100 years. From 1973 onward, we see more reflections on religious life from an indigenous perspective, in films like Walkabout, Storm Boy and The Last Wave.
As we move into the 70's Christian tradition is increasingly mocked by the irreverent streak of the Australian 'Ocker' or portrayed as deeply flawed.
The end of the 20th century depicts a greater diversity of religious topics, and more documentaries that reflect Australia's broader migrant population religions and a seemingly more global or open attitude to cultural difference.
- Kim Senior
Adapted from my Religion in Australian Film 1900 - 2003:
http://www.elfinn.com/filmweb/index.htm
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