 The Story of the Kelly Gang ( 1906 ) , the world 's first feature length film , spurred a boom in Australian cinema during the silent film era . After World War I , Hollywood monopolised the industry , and by the 1960s Australian film production had effectively ceased . With the benefit of government support , the Australian New Wave of the 1970s brought provocative and successful films , many exploring themes of national identity , such as Wake in Fright and Gallipoli , while " Crocodile " Dundee and the Ozploitation movement 's Mad Max series became international blockbusters . In a film market flooded with foreign content , Australian films delivered a 7 @.@ 7 % share of the local box office in 2015 . The AACTAs are Australia 's premier film and television awards , and notable Academy Award winners from Australia include Geoffrey Rush , Nicole Kidman , Cate Blanchett and Heath Ledger . 
