Oceanian Directors

Click on the pictures to check out the best directors from each country.

Other countries will be added as we add director’s profiles of that nationality.

A Brief History of Oceanian Cinema

The history of cinema in Oceania, also known as Australasia, spans over a century and has a rich heritage that mirrors its diverse cultures. In the early 1900s, Australia produced what is often credited as the world’s first feature-length film, “The Story of the Kelly Gang,” in 1906. In the following decades, the film industry experienced fluctuating periods of activity, with significant peaks during the First and Second World Wars when it focused on war-related content and newsreels. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the industry saw a resurgence, known as the Australian New Wave, which brought a modern identity to Australian cinema and introduced the world to its landscape, culture, and stories.

Notable directors from Oceania have made a considerable impact on both local and international cinema. Australian directors like Peter Weir, Baz Luhrmann, and George Miller have become household names. Weir’s films, such as “Picnic at Hanging Rock” and “The Year of Living Dangerously”, contributed significantly to the Australian New Wave. Baz Luhrmann’s distinctive visual style and storytelling were celebrated in “Moulin Rouge!” and “The Great Gatsby”, while George Miller’s “Mad Max” series revolutionised action cinema and visual effects. New Zealand also made its mark with directors such as Jane Campion, whose film “The Piano” won several Academy Awards, and Peter Jackson, whose “Lord of the Rings” trilogy brought unprecedented international attention to the region’s filmmaking capabilities and its stunning landscapes.

In the modern era, Oceania’s cinema continues to thrive and evolve, reflecting its multicultural and indigenous heritage. The turn of the century saw an increasing recognition of indigenous filmmakers and stories, with New Zealand’s Taika Waititi bringing his unique style to both local films like “Boy” and international blockbusters like “Thor: Ragnarok”. Australian cinema has continued to produce critically acclaimed films, such as “Animal Kingdom” and “Lion”, showcasing the talent and storytelling capabilities of directors like David Michôd and Garth Davis.