About Us

Our Story

Cinema Down Under began in 2015 as a passion project between three film school graduates from Sydney who recognized the lack of dedicated resources celebrating Australia's unique cinematic voice. What started as a small blog run from a shared apartment in Newtown quickly evolved into a comprehensive platform for Australian film analysis and appreciation.

Our founder, Olivia Harrington, had spent years collecting rare Australian films and conducting interviews with industry veterans, creating an impressive archive that deserved a wider audience. Partnering with web developer James Chen and film critic Michael Thompson, she transformed her personal collection into a digital resource that now reaches film enthusiasts worldwide.

In 2018, we expanded our team to include specialists in Indigenous Australian cinema, television series analysis, and film history research. This growth allowed us to deepen our coverage and establish partnerships with film festivals, educational institutions, and production companies across Australia.

Today, Cinema Down Under serves as a bridge between Australian filmmakers and global audiences, documenting the evolution of our national cinema while promoting emerging talents and overlooked classics. Our community has grown to include contributors from every state and territory, each bringing unique perspectives on Australia's diverse screen culture.

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

Cinema Down Under exists to document, preserve, and celebrate the rich history and continuing evolution of Australian film and television. We aim to create an accessible, comprehensive resource that connects audiences worldwide with the unique storytelling traditions of Australian screen culture.

Through thoughtful analysis, historical context, and community engagement, we seek to elevate the profile of Australian cinema on the global stage while fostering a deeper appreciation for its distinctive artistic voice and cultural significance.

Our Core Values

Cultural Diversity

We recognize and celebrate the multicultural nature of contemporary Australian society and its expression through cinema, with particular respect for Indigenous perspectives and stories.
Accessibility

We believe Australian cinema should be accessible to all, regardless of location or background, and strive to make our content approachable for both casual viewers and serious cinephiles.
Historical Preservation

We are committed to documenting and preserving knowledge about Australia's film heritage, including works that may be overlooked in mainstream film history.
Critical Engagement

We value thoughtful, nuanced analysis that places films in their cultural and historical context while acknowledging the artistic choices and technical achievements of filmmakers.

Meet Our Team

The passionate film enthusiasts who bring Cinema Down Under to life.

Olivia Harrington

Founder & Lead Curator

A graduate of the Australian Film Television and Radio School with a background in film preservation, Olivia has dedicated her career to Australian cinema history. Her interviews with pioneering directors from the 1970s Australian New Wave form the foundation of our historical archives.

James Chen

Technical Director & Film Analyst

Combining his computer science expertise with a passion for Australian sci-fi and genre films, James oversees our digital platform and contributes analysis on technical innovations in Australian cinema. His series on practical effects in Australian horror films has been featured in international film publications.

Ella Wirrpanda

Indigenous Cinema Specialist

A Yolngu filmmaker and researcher, Ella joined Cinema Down Under in 2018 to expand our coverage of Indigenous Australian cinema. She holds a PhD in Media Studies from the University of Melbourne and has directed award-winning short documentaries exploring contemporary Aboriginal storytelling through film.

Michael Thompson

Senior Film Critic & Educational Outreach

Previously a film critic for The Sydney Morning Herald, Michael brings over twenty years of experience reviewing Australian cinema. He leads our educational partnerships with universities and schools, developing curriculum resources that introduce students to essential Australian films across different eras.

Our Achievements

Since our founding in 2015, Cinema Down Under has grown from a small blog to a recognized authority on Australian cinema.

Comprehensive Digital Archive

Our database now includes detailed information on over 3,500 Australian films and TV series dating back to 1906, making it one of the most comprehensive resources available online.

Exclusive Filmmaker Interviews

We've conducted and archived over 200 original interviews with Australian directors, actors, and crew members, preserving firsthand accounts of the filmmaking process.

Educational Resources

Our educational materials are now used in film studies programs at 12 Australian universities and over 50 secondary schools nationwide.

Recognition & Awards

Winner of the 2019 Australian Cultural Media Award for Digital Preservation and the 2021 Film Critics Circle of Australia award for Outstanding Contribution to Film Culture.

Growing Community

Our monthly readership has grown from 500 visitors in 2015 to over 75,000 unique visitors from 130 countries, demonstrating the global interest in Australian cinema.

Industry Partnerships

We've established formal partnerships with the National Film and Sound Archive, Screen Australia, and six major Australian film festivals to expand access to Australian cinema.

What People Say About Us

"Cinema Down Under has become an invaluable resource for understanding the evolution of Australian storytelling on screen. Their detailed analysis of performances and narrative techniques has helped me prepare for several roles in Australian productions. I regularly recommend the site to international colleagues curious about our film history."

Rachel Griffiths

Actress & Director

"As someone who teaches Australian cinema to international students, I find Cinema Down Under's comprehensive archives and thoughtful analysis to be second to none. Their educational resources have dramatically enhanced my curriculum, while their interviews with filmmakers provide historical context that simply isn't available elsewhere."

Professor David Harrison

Film Studies Department, University of Melbourne

"Our partnership with Cinema Down Under has transformed how we present Australian films at our festival. Their deep knowledge of the historical and cultural context behind each film helps us create programming that resonates with international audiences who might be experiencing Australian cinema for the first time."

Sophie Chang

Director, East Asian Film Festival