The Australian New Wave (also known as the Australian Film Revival, Australian Film Renaissance, or New Australian Cinema) was an era of resurgence in worldwide popularity of Australian cinema, particularly in the United States. It began in the early 1970s and lasted until the mid-late 1980s. The era also marked the emergence of Ozploitation, a film genre characterised by the exploitation of colloquial Australian culture. Background The Australian film industry declined after World War II, coming to a virtual stop by the early 1960s. The Gorton (1968–71) and Whitlam Governments (1972–75) intervened and rescued the industry from its expected oblivion. The federal and several state governments established bodies to assist with the funding of film production and the training of film makers through the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, which fostered a new generation of Australian filmmakers who were able to bring their visions to the screen. The 1970s saw a huge renaissance of the Australian film industry. Australia produced nearly 400 films between 1970 and 1985, more than had been made in the history of the Australian film industry. In contrast to pre-New Wave films, New Wave films are often viewed as fresh and creative, possessing "a vitality, a love of open spaces and a propensity for sudden violence and languorous sexuality". The "straight-ahead narrative style" of many Australian New Wave films reminded American audiences of "the Hollywood-maverick period of the late 1960s and early '70s that had just about run its course". Notable films 1970s 1980s Notable figures Many filmmakers and actors launched international careers through their work in the Australian New Wave. Directors Gillian Armstrong Henri Safran Bruce Beresford Tim Burstall John Duigan Richard Franklin Ken Hannam George Miller Russell Mulcahy Phillip Noyce Fred Schepisi Brian Trenchard-Smith Peter Weir Simon Wincer Actors Elizabeth Alexander David Argue Ray Barrett Pat Bishop Steve Bisley Graeme Blundell Bryan Brown Tom Burlinson Terry Camilleri Chantal Contouri Barry Crocker Max Cullen Judy Davis Mercia Deane-Johns Jeanie Drynan Carmen Duncan Mel Gibson David Gulpilil John Hargreaves Paul Hogan Harold Hopkins Wendy Hughes Barry Humphries Bill Hunter John Jarratt Hugh Keays-Byrne Bill Kerr Nicole Kidman John Meillon Sam Neill Angela Punch McGregor Bruce Spence Nick Tate Noah Taylor Jack Thompson Sigrid Thornton Roger Ward Jacki Weaver Vernon Wells Others Russell Boyd (cinematographer) John Seale (cinematographer) Dean Semler (cinematographer) Donald McAlpine (cinematographer) Brian May (composer) Bruce Smeaton (composer) Legacy Several films of the Australian