Australian Commonwealth Film Unit

This short film documents Australian composer Richard Meale’s homage to the young French poet, Arthur Rimbaud. Meale composed a music piece for woodwind, percussion and strings which he titled “Incredible Floridas."

Produced for the Adults Learning series, this short film depicts a man constructing a sailing dinghy with the assistance of a professional boat builder, using the process to explore adult learning and management–staff relations. The film is presented without spoken commentary.

Michael, a young man living within a conventional middle-class environment, begins to question his future as he encounters a group aligned with the countercultural movements of the late 1960s. As he is exposed to new ideas and ways of living, he is forced to reconsider the direction of his life. (Note: This film is one segment of the anthology feature "Three to Go" (1971).)

Shows new methods in treating those afflicted with mental health issues. Contrasts past treatment regimes where people were locked away out of sight with the new, 1960s, psychiatric ideas of "group therapy" and talking therapy. Also shows practical behaviours aimed at returning patients to productive lives in society and outpatient services.

Produced for the Adults Learning series, this short film uses a conversation between a potential university dropout, a friend, and an observer to examine adult learning in the context of management–staff relations.

Produced for the Adults Learning series, this short film presents a training session in which adults are introduced to punch card systems, exploring their apprehension and adjustment to emerging computer technology.

This short documentary showcases three Australian music acts—Wendy Saddington and Teardrop, the Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, and the Indelible Murtceps—each performing live as examples of distinct directions in the country’s early 1970s pop scene.

Judy, a young woman living in a provincial town, spends her final weeks at home preparing to move to the city in search of new opportunities. As she interacts with her family, coworkers, and boyfriend, differing expectations and perspectives reveal the challenges surrounding her decision. (Note: This film is one segment of the anthology feature "Three to Go" (1971).)

A detailed historical account of the major campaigns fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. Compiled from the archives of the Australian War Memorial, this film utilizes rare battlefield footage from the Middle East and Europe to trace the journey of the ANZAC troops from their initial departure to the frontline conflicts in Egypt, the Somme, and Cambrai.

Part 1 of the History of Australian Cinema series. Australian cinema from the very beginning, from the newsreels, ethnographic and actuality films, to the controversy of "The Story of the Kelly Gang" and the success of "The Sentimental Bloke".

Made by the Department of Immigration to entice immigrants from Great Britain, this film shows an idyllic picture of life in the South Australian regional town of Mount Gambier in the mid 1960s.

Made by the Department of Immigration to entice immigrants from Great Britain, this film shows an idyllic picture of life in the New South Wales regional town of Wagga Wagga in the mid 1960s.

Presented by explorer Frank Hurley in his final film appearance, this documentary chronicles Australia's role in the scientific exploration of Antarctica and the hardships the pioneers endured. Using archival footage, this film spans from 1911, following Sir Douglas Mawson's first expedition, to Phillip Law establishing the continent's first permanent research station in 1954.

Pemberton Forest, a karri forest in the southwest region of Western Australia, is the site of a youth camp for school children. In this film, forest officers explain various aspects of forestry and associated industries to the children.

A road safety lesson using puppets and animation kindergarten age children.

Made by the Department of Immigration to entice immigrants from Great Britain, this film shows an idyllic picture of life in the Western Australian regional town of Geraldton in the mid 1960s.

Canberra, the National Capital of Australia, is a city which has been planned; a place where modern living is enriched by a lovely setting. But the hustling young city of today is expanding and developing, and there is emerging the pattern of the proud city of tomorrow.

Take in Sydney from the rooftops in this gently surreal, wordless short. With a cheeky animated interlude and sweeping harbour views, this is 1970s city life with a twist.

A picture of life in the South Australian capital of Adelaide in the mid 1960s, social, commercial and recreational.

A picture of life in the West Australian capital of Perth in the mid 1960s. The social, business, sporting and other activities of an average Australian family in Perth are told through the eyes of the local newspapers.