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Browse 49 movies from Australian Commonwealth Film Unit
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.
Jan 1966
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.
Jan 1964
This anthology film brings together three stories—"Michael", "Judy", and "Toula"—each centered on a young Australian confronting personal and social choices about their future. Produced by the Commonwealth Film Unit, the film explores themes of identity, independence, and cultural tension through distinct perspectives from directors Brian Hannant, Oliver Howes, and Peter Weir.
Mar 1971
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.
A road safety film for pedestrians in city traffic. Demonstrates typical unsafe practices.
Jan 1958
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).)
Mar 1970
The way of life for people living along the tropic of Capricorn in Queensland 1965. Farming and mining are the main industries in this area of Australia and the only way to get around is by road train, train or plane. The hard way of life for these people is portrayed in this film.
Jan 1965
A road safety lesson using puppets and animation kindergarten age children.
Jan 1960
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.
Mar 1972
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).)
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."
Jan 1972
A small city in the tropical north of Queensland, Cairns boasts a life that is leisurely and comfortable. The tempo quickens, however, at cane-cutting time when the sugar is harvested, and in winter when tourists come north to escape the cold. The Life In Australia series portrays Australian cities and rural centres as happy, lively places where good homes, abundant jobs, schools, hospitals and amenities provide the foundation for a relaxed lifestyle where sport, shopping, religion and even art combine to create a homogenous and prosperous society.
Jul 1964
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".
Jan 1968
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.
A picture of life in the South Australian capital of Adelaide in the mid 1960s, social, commercial and recreational.
A working day at the open cut coal mine and power station at Yallourn, Victoria, as experienced by four employees. A dredge operator, a train driver, a fireman and a turbine attendant.
Jan 1957
George Reynolds, recently discharged from the army, tells his father of his plans to marry and relax. Reynolds Snr tells his son that if Australia is to avoid another postwar Depression, its citizens need to work hard towards a better future.
Jan 1943
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.
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.
Jan 1959
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.