The local distribution of Australian film has historically underperformed in domestic box office, usually finding more success in international release. However, the wheels are in motion toward increasing accessibility to Australia’s vibrant screen culture.

Firstly – and coincidentally, three cinemas have just opened in Melbourne. A massive undertaking in the current economic climate but the old saying – good things come in three’s – couldn’t be any truer than right now.

The Astor is now finally safe from its history of financial instability, pop-up Speakeasy Cinema has found a home at Grey Gardens in Fitzroy and the Lido Cinemas has just opened in Hawthorn boasting a special Australian Film Focus that will surely lift interest in our home-grown cinematic ventures. Whether a response to film enthusiasts that tire of multiplexes’ pullback from diversified programming, or just total luck of the draw – these developments are a strong step forward for the Australian film industry.

Secondly, MIFF Industry – as well as running Australia’s only film co-financing market [South Market] – is also in its ninth year of the Accelerator program. Through this initiative, the current year’s MIFF Short filmmakers who are geared towards making the transition to feature filmmaking are invited to a series of seminars, lectures and workshops. The learning experience and networking opportunities afforded by Accelerator are invaluable to emerging filmmakers looking to launch their careers.

This is just another example of how the Melbourne International Film Festival is furthering the role of film festivals in Australia to supplement the issues that we have to solve surrounding distribution and exhibition at home.