Australian Film Festival, jointly organised by Australian High Commission and Indo-Cine Appreciation Foundation (ICAF), is under way at the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce theatre, Anna Salai.
Tim Huggins, First Secretary, Australian High Commission, who inaugurated the ‘2010 Australian Film Festival,' on Wednesday, said Australian films explore issues such as the country's history, its indigenous population and multiculturalism.
Highlighting the history of Australian movies, he said the first feature film was made in 1906. Australia is also trying to carve out a film identity independent of Hollywood.
Several Indian films are being made in Australia and are gaining steady patronage in the country. Movies play a significant role in understanding of culture of different countries, he said.
ICAF's president B.Ramakrishnan said eight feature films and two short films would be screened as part of the festival.
Actor S.Anjali, South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce secretary Ravi Kottarakara and ICAF secretary E.Thangaraj spoke. The festival will conclude on May 31.
