Actress Jacki Weaver explores a hidden collection of government-sponsored films from the 1970s, revealing a captivating look at Australia’s past. This fresh, three-part SBS series, Australia: An Unofficial History, presents a unique perspective on a pivotal decade.
The series features forgotten documentaries covering crucial topics like women’s rights and Indigenous activism. Alongside these serious subjects are unconventional promotional films presenting a now-outdated image of the nation. These archives, supplied by the National Film and Sound Archive, provide a rare opportunity to see materials created by filmmakers who often pushed boundaries.
Commentary from notable figures, including filmmaker Phillip Noyce, cultural critics Benjamin Law and Jan Fran, comedian Zoë Coombs Marr, and activist Dr. Gary Foley, give new, current insight. Even some of the original film subjects, including Weaver, make appearances.
The 1970s were a time of significant societal shifts. This series examines the end of the “White Australia” policy, the beginnings of political multiculturalism, and the growing movements for Indigenous rights, feminism, and gay liberation. These films were produced by Film Australia, a government body, and they recorded that countries rapid change.
Bethan Arwel-Lewis, SBS Commissioning Editor, describes the series as a “deeply nostalgic” exploration. Producer Jo-anne McGowan adds that it provides, “…reflection on who we were then, and who we are now.”
Australia: An Unofficial History is a Stranger Than Fiction production for SBS. Executive producers are Jo-anne McGowan, Jennifer Peedom and Bethan Arwel-Lewis. Major production investment funding was provided by Screen Australia and SBS, with the assistance of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia in association with Screen NSW.
