Very interesting stats Ruby - i didn't realise that foreign (non-American) film was more successful in Australia than our own films.

I think many film-makers back themselves into a corner when they aim their films exclusively at Australian viewers. Australians find it condescending, and it has no broad world appeal. Writers sometimes try too hard to capture the in-jokes and shortened speech that makes up our culture, and it often misses the mark.

I also think there are issues with marketing and distribution. You often dont even hear of Australian films until years after they are released, and the vast majority dont play at suburban or regional cinemas.

Spikey, we're warbling from the same hymn sheet. As I was writing my first comment I was thinking about that delightful little unexpected blockbuster (well, in Perth, anyway) 'As It Is In Heaven' which could have been made anywhere. It was the story that made it such a delight. So it still comes back to the writers, doesn't it?

I also have the opinion that Australian films are very awful! I just saw a few and i won't see more, because everytime i saw a film i was very disappointed! I gave to many films a chance...

daltong2005,

When you say: "I also have the opinion that Australian films are very awful! I just saw a few and i won't see more, because everytime i saw a film i was very disappointed! I gave to many films a chance...", are you not denying yourself the possibility of seeing some outstanding films?

I have been very disappointed with a succession of films made in Britain, but I would never say I'd stop going to see all British films because of that bad run.

Diana is right to point out that good films are those with very good stories, well written and concerning interesting people. That combination could come from any nation's film-makers. There have been some splendid films made in Australia in the past and I'm sure there will be many in the future.

I would hope that you would judge the quality of any film on its merits, not on a stereotype.